A nurse is caring for a client who has a left femur fracture and is in skeletal traction. The client reports pain due to muscle spasms in the affected leg. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

A. Realign the extremity in traction: Muscle spasms can be caused by misalignment or improper positioning of the extremity. Realigning the leg ensures proper traction force distribution, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates pain. This is the most appropriate initial action for managing spasm-related discomfort. B. Remove the traction weights: Removing weights would interrupt the prescribed traction, potentially worsening fracture alignment and increasing pain or complications. Traction must be maintained continuously unless ordered otherwise by the provider. C. Increase the amount of traction: Increasing weight without a provider order can cause neurovascular compromise, worsen pain, or damage tissue. Adjustments to traction must be prescribed, not done autonomously by the nurse. D. Allow the weights to rest on the floor: Letting the weights rest on the floor eliminates the traction force, which can lead to malalignment of the fracture, increased muscle spasms, and delayed healing. This action is unsafe and inappropriate.