A nurse is teaching a newly hired group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about infectioncontrol measures on the unit. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care?

Choice A reason: Sensory perception is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client can respond to pressurerelated discomfort or pain. Sensory perception can be affected by factors such as level of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or neuropathy. Sensory perception can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as clients with impaired sensory perception may not be able to feel or report the pressure, or change their position to relieve the pressure.

Choice B reason: Age is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Age is a demographic variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as skin condition, mobility, or comorbidities. However, age itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice C reason: Friction and shear is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's skin is exposed to rubbing or sliding forces. Friction and shear can be affected by factors such as bed linens, transfers, or repositioning. Friction and shear can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as they can damage the skin and underlying tissues, or reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Nutrition is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's intake of food and fluids meets the body's needs. Nutrition can be affected by factors such as appetite, dentition, or swallowing. Nutrition can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as it can affect the skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function of the client.

Choice E reason: Mental state is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Mental state is a psychological variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as sensory perception, mobility, or activity. However, mental state itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice A reason: The client is in a private room is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should be in a private room, as it can reduce the exposure to pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The client with reduced immunity has a weakened or impaired immune system, which makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to infection. The private room can also provide privacy, comfort, and security for the client.

Choice B reason: The client has a dedicated vital signs machine is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should have a dedicated vital signs machine, as it can prevent the crosscontamination or transmission of pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The vital signs machine is a device that measures the blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen saturation of the client. The vital signs machine can be contaminated by the blood, body fluids, or secretions of the client or other clients, and can harbor bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The dedicated vital signs machine can also ensure the accuracy, consistency, and availability of the measurements for the client.

Choice C reason: The client has a vase of fresh flowers on the table is an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is inappropriate and undesirable. The client with reduced immunity should not have a vase of fresh flowers on the table, as it can increase the exposure to pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The fresh flowers are a source of mold, pollen, or insects, which can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory distress, or skin irritation. The fresh flowers can also contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which can infect the client through inhalation, ingestion, or contact. The vase of fresh flowers should be removed from the room and replaced with artificial flowers, pictures, or cards.

Choice D reason: There is hand sanitizer by the door is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should have hand sanitizer by the door, as it can promote the hand hygiene and infection prevention of the client and others. Hand sanitizer is a product that contains alcohol or other agents that can kill or reduce the number of pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. Hand sanitizer should be used by the client, the staff, and the visitors before and after entering or leaving the room, or after touching any objects or surfaces in the room.