A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client to achieve the outcome of functional healing of a fracture. Which of the following nursing interventions is the HIGHEST priority to assist in meeting this outcome?

A. Provide relief from pain and discomfort for the client: Rationale: Pain control is essential for comfort, but it does not directly promote bone healing or alignment. It’s supportive but not the top priority. B. Promote independence in activities of daily living for the client: Rationale: Important for rehabilitation, but healing must occur before full independence is safe or advisable. C. Provide optimal nutrition and hydration for the client: Rationale: Adequate nutrition (especially calcium, protein, and vitamin D) supports healing, but structural alignment is foundational. D. Maintain immobilization and alignment for the client: Rationale: The highest priority in fracture healing is to maintain proper alignment and immobilization to allow bones to heal in the correct anatomical position.