What nursing intervention is essential to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers in a patient with a long-term immobilization due to a fracture?

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of fractures because it can negatively impact bone health, reduce bone density, and impair bone healing.

a. Adequate calcium intake: Adequate calcium intake is essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of fractures, so it is not associated with an increased risk.
b. Regular weight-bearing exercise: Regular weight-bearing exercise helps improve bone density and reduces fracture risk, so it is not associated with an increased risk.
d. Maintaining a healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is beneficial for overall health, but it is not specifically associated with an increased risk of fractures.

X-ray (radiography) is the most common imaging modality used to diagnose fractures in the emergency department. X-rays can visualize the bone's structure and detect fractures, bone displacement, or other abnormalities.

a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is useful for soft tissue evaluation but is not routinely used for initial fracture diagnosis in the emergency department.
b. Computed Tomography (CT): CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues, but they are not typically the first-line imaging for initial fracture assessment in the emergency department.
d. Ultrasound: Ultrasound is useful for certain soft tissue evaluations but is not commonly used for diagnosing fractures.