Final answer:
The nurse should include instructions to secure the straps firmly, avoid removing the device before showering, and use crutches with rubber tips in the plan of care for a client with an external fixation device for a lower extremity fracture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should include the instructions to secure the straps firmly around the boot in the plan of care for a client with an external fixation device for a lower extremity fracture. This helps to ensure that the device provides adequate support and stability for the fractured bone.
The nurse should also instruct the patient to avoid removing the device before showering. External fixation devices are typically waterproof and designed to be used in the shower, allowing the patient to maintain good hygiene without compromising the stability of the device or the healing process.
To facilitate mobility, the patient should use crutches with rubber tips. Rubber-tipped crutches provide better traction and stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls during ambulation.
It is important to note that the patient should not adjust the screws on the external fixation device by themselves. This should only be done by a qualified healthcare professional to maintain the alignment of the fractured bone.