Final answer:
The appropriate intervention for a nurse planning care for a client with post-surgical osteomyelitis of the lower leg is to check for paresthesia of the affected leg. This is important for monitoring nerve involvement or damage. Other options might not be suitable immediately post-surgery or without specific instructions from the healthcare team.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse planning care for a client who had surgery for osteomyelitis following a musculoskeletal trauma should include several interventions to support recovery. Among the provided options, checking for paresthesia of the affected leg (option C) is a critical intervention. Paresthesia, which includes symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or a 'pins and needles' sensation, can indicate nerve involvement or damage, which is important to address in the post-surgical care of osteomyelitis patients. Option A is not recommended because positioning the affected leg flat may not be the best option for all post-surgical patients, as elevation may be necessary to reduce swelling. Option B, instructing the client to perform weight-bearing activities on the affected leg, should be avoided immediately following surgery to allow for proper healing. As for option D, while heat application can be beneficial during the physical therapy phase, it should not be applied directly to the surgical incision area as it might increase the risk of bleeding or swelling in the early post-operative period. Overall, the nurse should focus on promoting healing, assessing for complications, and ensuring that the client's recovery is progressing as expected. It is also important to follow the specific instructions of the healthcare team, which may include further interventions not listed in the question.