Which nursing interventions would the nurse avoid when providing care for a client with a fractured extremity?

Which nursing interventions would the nurse avoid when providing care for a client with a fractured extremity?

• A. Keeping the client warm and dry
• B. Removing the client's shoes or boots immediately
• C. Immobilizing the affected extremity
• D. Allowing the client to lie in supine position

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to prevent further injury by keeping the injured limb as still as possible and avoiding actions that could disrupt alignment. Removing the shoes or boots immediately can cause movement of the fractured bones and potentially worsen displacement or damage surrounding tissues, especially if there is swelling or an unsuspected injury at the joints. Shoes and boots often help stabilize the limb until definitive care arrives, so taking them off right away is avoided. The other measures are appropriate: keeping the client warm and dry helps prevent shock; immobilizing the affected extremity preserves alignment and reduces pain; and allowing the client to lie supine provides a safe, stable position for assessment and treatment. If footwear must be removed, it should be done only with careful assessment and minimal movement.

The main idea is to prevent further injury by keeping the injured limb as still as possible and avoiding actions that could disrupt alignment. Removing the shoes or boots immediately can cause movement of the fractured bones and potentially worsen displacement or damage surrounding tissues, especially if there is swelling or an unsuspected injury at the joints. Shoes and boots often help stabilize the limb until definitive care arrives, so taking them off right away is avoided. The other measures are appropriate: keeping the client warm and dry helps prevent shock; immobilizing the affected extremity preserves alignment and reduces pain; and allowing the client to lie supine provides a safe, stable position for assessment and treatment. If footwear must be removed, it should be done only with careful assessment and minimal movement.