A nurse is teaching a patient about prevention of stage 1 pressure ulcers. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A. I don't need to worry about pressure ulcers until the skin breaks down: A Stage 1 pressure injury (intact skin with nonblanchable redness) is a serious finding that requires immediate action to prevent progression. Waiting until the skin "breaks down" (Stage 2 or worse) is dangerously delayed.

B. I will apply moisturizing lotion to keep my skin hydrated: This is a correct statement. Healthy, hydrated skin is more resilient to shear and friction.

C. I should keep my skin clean and dry: This is a correct statement. Clean, dry skin reduces the risk of skin breakdown (maceration) and infection.

D. I will try to reposition myself every two hours: This is a correct statement. Repositioning every two hours is the gold standard for reducing prolonged, unrelieved pressure, which is the cause of pressure injuries.

A. Administer prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed: Antibiotics address infection, not acute bleeding.

B. Apply a pressure dressing and notify the provider immediately: This is the most appropriate initial action. Since the drainage is bright red (active bleeding) and occurred shortly after surgery, the nurse must immediately attempt to control the bleeding by applying firm, direct pressure (pressure dressing) over the site. Simultaneously, the surgeon or healthcare provider must be notified immediately as this finding may indicate a failed suture line or internal hemorrhage requiring urgent intervention.

C. Elevate the affected area above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow: This is appropriate for extremity bleeding, but for an abdominal or thoracic surgical site, this maneuver is ineffective or contraindicated. Direct pressure is necessary.

D. Clean the wound and replace the dressing with a new sterile dressing: Removing the original dressing can disrupt clot formation and lead to further blood loss. The priority is to stop the bleeding, not to clean or replace the dressing. If the dressing is soaked, the nurse should reinforce the dressing while applying pressure.