Question

The nurse is caring for a group of clients on an orthopedic unit. Which client should the nurse give priority status? A. A client with a fractured hip and \(400 \mathrm{~mL}\) of blood in the wound suction device within a two-hour period B. A client with a cast and slight edema to the toes who is complaining of pain C. A client with an external fixator on the right arm with serous drainage from the pin sites D. A client with a fractured right femur who has a temperature of \(101.5^{\circ}\) Fahrenheit

Short answer

Answer: The nurse should give priority to the client with a fractured hip and 400 mL of blood in the wound suction device within a two-hour period (Option A) due to the immediate and severe risk of hypovolemia.

Step-by-step solution

First, examine each option closely.

We will start by examining each option and making observations about the client's condition and potential risks. A. A client with a fractured hip and \(400 \mathrm{~mL}\) of blood in the wound suction device within a two-hour period: This client has a significant amount of blood loss, which might lead to hypovolemia and complications. B. A client with a cast and slight edema to the toes who is complaining of pain: This client is experiencing discomfort and swelling, which could indicate a potential issue with circulation or alignment, but it seems less severe than other situations presented. C. A client with an external fixator on the right arm with serous drainage from the pin sites: In this case, the client has drainage from the pin sites, which is expected, and serous drainage is not a severe complication. D. A client with a fractured right femur who has a temperature of \(101.5^{\circ}\) Fahrenheit: This client has a fever, which might indicate an infection. In addition to the fever, the fractured femur presents significant risks to the client's overall well-being.

Second, compare the risks and conditions.

Now that we have examined each option, we need to compare them and determine which client is facing the most immediate and severe risks. - Option A presents a potential risk of hypovolemia due to rapid blood loss. - Option B indicates discomfort and swelling, but these might not be as severe or immediate as the other situations. - Option C is an expected situation after having an external fixator and is not as severe as other issues presented. - Option D presents a risk of infection due to fever and could have significant complications if left unaddressed.

Finally, decide which client should be given priority.

After comparing the risks and conditions of each client, the nurse should prioritize the patient with the most severe and immediate risks. In this case, Option A (the client with a fractured hip and \(400 \mathrm{~mL}\) of blood in the wound suction device within a two-hour period) presents the most immediate and severe risk of hypovolemia. Therefore, the nurse should give priority status to this client.