A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about reducing the risk for healthcare-associated infections.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Clean the client's skin with hot water. Using hot water to clean a client's skin who is incontinent can be harmful. Hot water can damage the skin and exacerbate any existing skin issues. It is essential to use lukewarm water and gentle, pH-balanced cleansers to prevent skin irritation.

Choice B rationale:

Dry between folds in the client's skin. This is the correct answer. When caring for a client who is incontinent, it is crucial to ensure that the skin is kept clean and dry. Moisture between skin folds can lead to skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers. Drying the skin thoroughly helps prevent these issues.

Choice C rationale:

Apply baby powder to the client's skin. Applying baby powder is not recommended, as it can create a moist environment that may promote the growth of fungi and bacteria. It can also potentially lead to respiratory issues if the client inhales the powder. It's better to focus on keeping the skin clean and dry without using powder.

Choice D rationale:

Restrict the client's fluid intake. Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a suitable approach. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to various complications and negatively impact the client's overall health. Instead, focus on managing incontinence through appropriate hygiene and the use of incontinence products. .

Choice A rationale:

Constipation in a client on bedrest is a common issue, and one of the primary interventions is to increase fluid intake. Adequate hydration helps soften the stool, making it easier to pass, and can prevent constipation. This intervention is based on sound nursing principles and is the most appropriate choice.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to drink cold fluids is not a specific intervention for constipation. While staying hydrated is important, the temperature of the fluids is not as relevant to relieving constipation as the overall fluid intake.

Choice C rationale:

Requesting a prescription for mineral oil is not the first-line intervention for constipation. Mineral oil can have potential side effects and should only be used when other measures have failed. Increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber are typically the initial steps taken.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client on a low-fiber diet is not an appropriate intervention for constipation. A low-fiber diet can exacerbate constipation by reducing the bulk and softness of the stool. This choice is counterproductive to addressing the issue.