By providing measures to reduce skin breakdown, how does the nurse break the chain of infection?

Choice A reason: "Because it is easy to digest." is not the best response by the nurse. This is not a valid reason for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein supplements may or may not be easy to digest depending on the type and amount of protein and the client's digestive system. The ease of digestion is not the main goal of protein supplementation.

Choice B reason: "If you don't like it, you don't have to take it." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a dismissive and unprofessional response that does not address the client's question or concern. Protein supplements are prescribed for a reason and the client should be educated on the benefits and risks of taking or refusing them. The nurse should also respect the client's preferences and choices and offer alternatives if possible.

Choice C reason: "These supplements have nothing to do with your wound." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a false and misleading statement that contradicts the evidencebased practice of wound care. Protein supplements have a lot to do with wound healing as they provide the essential nutrients for tissue repair and regeneration. Protein deficiency can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection and complications.

Choice D reason: "Protein has amino acids that promote wound healing." is the best response by the nurse. This is a factual and informative statement that explains the rationale for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues. Amino acids are involved in various processes of wound healing, such as collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune response. Protein supplementation can enhance wound healing and prevent protein malnutrition.

Choice A reason: This is not the best action because encouraging range of motion can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Range of motion is the movement of the joints and muscles through their normal extent. Range of motion can help to prevent stiffness, contractures, and muscle atrophy, but it can also increase the swelling and pressure in the affected area, which can impair the circulation and sensation.

Choice B reason: This is not the best action because applying heat to the affected hand can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the tissues. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a warmer object to a cooler one. Heat can help to relax the muscles, reduce the pain, and increase the blood flow, but it can also increase the inflammation and edema in the affected area, which can compromise the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.

Choice C reason: This is the best action because removing the cast can decrease the pressure and restore the circulation and sensation to the affected area. A cast is a rigid device that immobilizes and protects a fractured or injured body part. A cast can help to align the bones, prevent displacement, and promote healing, but it can also cause complications, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. The nurse should remove the cast immediately and notify the physician if the client shows signs of compartment syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, pallor, coolness, or swelling.

Choice D reason: This is not the best action because raising the arm above the level of the heart can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Raising the arm above the level of the heart can help to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area, but it can also reduce the blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can lead to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should elevate the arm at or below the level of the heart and monitor the pulse, color, temperature, and sensation of the fingers.