A charge nurse in a long-term care facility will be implementing a new protocol to meet the Joint Commission's National Safety Goal of preventing health care-associated pressure ulcers. When informing the staff nurses about the new standard, the nurse should emphasize that which of the following actions is the priority?

A.    Identify the clients at greatest risk for the development of pressure ulcers.
This option emphasizes the importance of individualized care. By identifying clients at the highest risk for pressure ulcers, healthcare providers can tailor preventive measures to address specific risk factors such as immobility, nutritional deficits, and skin conditions.

B.    Turn and position each client every 2 hr.
Regular turning and repositioning are crucial in preventing pressure ulcers, especially in individuals with limited mobility. This helps distribute pressure, reducing the risk of skin breakdown. However, this alone may not be sufficient if other risk factors are not addressed.

C.    Use a barrier cream when performing perineal care.
Barrier creams can be helpful in protecting the skin from moisture and friction, especially in areas prone to pressure ulcers. While this is a good practice, it may not be the top priority compared to identifying those at the highest risk.

D.    Supervise clients to ensure adequate nutritional intake.
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining skin integrity. Malnutrition can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. Monitoring and ensuring adequate nutritional intake are important components of prevention but may not be the initial priority.