A nurse is planning care for an older adult client who is at risk for developing pressure ulcers.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to help maintain the integrity of the client's skin?
Elevate the head of the bed no more than 45°.
Use a transfer device to lift the client up in bed.
Massage the skin over the client's bony prominences.
Apply cornstarch to keep sensitive skin areas dry.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The head of the bed should generally be elevated no more than 30° to reduce shear and friction, not 45°.
B. Using a transfer device to lift the client prevents shearing and friction, which helps maintain skin integrity and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers.
C. Massaging bony prominences is not recommended, as it can damage underlying tissue and increase risk of ulcer formation.
D. Cornstarch is not advised because it can create a moist environment that promotes skin breakdown and infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Applying the ice bag for 30 minutes at a time is a recommended duration for cold therapy. This helps prevent potential tissue damage from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
B. Placing the bag directly on the skin is not recommended, as it can cause frostbite or skin damage. A barrier, such as a thin towel or cloth, should be placed between the ice bag and the skin.
C. Allowing room for some air inside the bag is important to allow the ice to conform to the shape of the injured area. However, the bag should not be overfilled with air.
D. Reapplying the bag 30 minutes after removing it is a good practice, as it allows time for the tissues to warm up before reapplying the cold therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. He is hard of hearing:
This is unlikely. While hearing impairment could explain some difficulty in communication, it would not explain the flinching upon abdominal palpation or the wandering behavior. Hearing-impaired clients typically respond to nonverbal cues or attempt to communicate their understanding in other ways.
B. Confusion:
This is correct. The client's wandering behavior, lack of verbal response, and smiling/nodding without clear understanding are indicative of confusion, which is common in older adults experiencing delirium, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The flinching during abdominal palpation suggests a physical issue, but the client's inability to articulate his discomfort further supports confusion as a contributing factor.
C. Pain:
While pain could explain the flinching during palpation, it does not account for the wandering behavior or the lack of meaningful verbal communication. Pain may coexist with confusion but is not the primary explanation for his overall behavior.
D. Language barrier:
A language barrier could explain difficulty in verbal communication, but it does not account for the wandering behavior or the flinching upon palpation. Additionally, the family’s ability to communicate with the healthcare team suggests this is not the most likely factor
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
