A nurse is caring for a patient in Buck's traction on bed rest for a fracture of the femur.Which action should the nurse take to help preserve skin integrity?

A) Provide meticulous skin care.
B) Use pain medication to prevent excessive movement.
C) Limit range of joint motion so the patient is not disturbed.
D) Reduce the amount of protein intake so renal function can be preserved.

Interventions aimed at prevention of pressure ulcers are positioning,skin care,and the use of pressure-relief devices.Change the immobilized patient's position according to the patient's activity level,perceptual ability,status of peripheral circulation,treatment protocols,and daily routines.A patient needs adequate,not reduced,protein intake to ensure wound healing and tissue growth and to prevent a negative nitrogen balance.Patients whose mobility is restricted require ROM to reduce the hazards of immobility; ROM should not be limited.Pain medication is to relieve pain,not to prevent excessive movement.