A nurse is planning to insert a female external urinary catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan take?

A. Active pursuit of wellness: Wellness is a dynamic, self-directed process of making choices toward a more successful and healthy existence. It requires an intentional and continuous commitment to various dimensions of health, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. Passive existence does not constitute wellness; it necessitates active participation in health-promoting behaviors and lifestyle modifications.

B. Having no risk factors: Achieving wellness does not require the complete elimination of all risk factors, which is often biologically or environmentally impossible. Many individuals manage chronic conditions or genetic predispositions while still achieving a high state of personal wellness. The focus is on maximizing potential and quality of life despite the presence of certain risks.

C. Scheduling annual health screenings: While screenings are vital components of preventive medicine, they represent clinical interventions rather than the holistic state of wellness. A screening is a diagnostic tool used to detect disease, but wellness is the broader lifestyle framework in which an individual operates daily. Screening alone does not ensure a state of wellness.

D. Absence of genetic abnormalities: Wellness is achievable for individuals with genetic conditions or congenital abnormalities through adaptive behaviors and optimization of health. Biological perfection is not a prerequisite for a wellness-oriented lifestyle. Wellness emphasizes the functional and subjective experience of health rather than the absence of chromosomal or structural variations.

A. Apply a barrier cream to the client's perineal skin.: Barrier creams or ointments can interfere with the adhesive properties of certain external catheter systems, causing them to slip or leak. Moisture-wicking materials in the device are designed to keep the skin dry without the need for thick topical agents. The skin should be clean and dry before application to ensure a secure fit.

B. Insert the catheter into the client's urethra.: Female external catheters are non-invasive devices that sit against the labia and over the urethral meatus rather than being inserted. Insertion would categorize the device as an indwelling catheter, which carries a higher risk of infection. The purpose of an external system is to provide a non-invasive alternative for urine collection.

C. Replace the external urinary catheter once each day.: Daily replacement is necessary to assess the underlying skin integrity and prevent the buildup of bacteria or moisture. Regular changes allow the nurse to check for signs of dermatitis or pressure injury caused by the device. Maintaining a fresh system is a key component of infection control and skin health.

D. Connect the catheter to continuous wall suction.: High-pressure wall suction can cause trauma to the delicate mucosal tissues of the labia and urethra. These devices are typically connected to a specialized low-pressure suction regulator or a gravity drainage bag. Excessive suction force is contraindicated and can lead to significant skin irritation or bruising.