A nurse is caring for a client who is immobile. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to take to prevent plantar flexion contractures?

Plantar flexion contractures, also called foot drop, occur in immobile clients when the foot is allowed to rest in a downward-pointing position for prolonged periods, shortening the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. The intervention that directly prevents this complication is the use of foot splints (also called foot drop boots or ankle-foot orthoses), which maintain the foot in a neutral 90-degree dorsiflexed position, countering the natural tendency toward plantar flexion. This is the correct answer. Propping the feet up without maintaining proper alignment does not prevent the foot from falling into plantar flexion and addresses elevation rather than positioning. A trochanter roll is placed along the outer thigh to prevent external hip rotation — it does nothing to prevent foot drop. An abduction pillow is used after total hip replacement to prevent hip adduction and dislocation; it has no effect on ankle positioning. Only foot splints directly maintain dorsiflexion and prevent the contracture from developing in an immobile client.