During a skin inspection at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notices patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales on the client's elbows and knees. What skin abnormality does the nurse suspect?

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin routinely after soiling occurs is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because soiling from urine, feces, sweat, or wound drainage can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, infection, or breakdown. The nurse should use a gentle cleanser and warm water and pat the skin dry. The nurse should also avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol, or perfumes on the skin.

Choice B reason: Applying moisturizer to dry areas of skin is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because dry skin is more prone to cracking, peeling, or tearing. The nurse should use a hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it to the skin after cleansing and drying. The nurse should also avoid using products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or dyes on the skin.

Choice C reason: Using a Hoyer lift for all transfers is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because a Hoyer lift is a mechanical device that helps to lift and move the client safely and comfortably. It reduces the friction and shear on the skin by lifting the client off the bed surface and avoiding any sliding or dragging. It also prevents the nurse from injuring themselves by lifting the client manually.

Choice D reason: Massaging the client’s reddened shoulders and heels is not an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. In fact, this may worsen the skin injury by increasing the pressure and damage to the tissues. The nurse should avoid massaging any areas that are reddened, swollen, or blistered, as these are signs of pressure ulcers. The nurse should instead relieve the pressure by repositioning the client or using pressurerelieving devices, such as pillows, foam pads, or air mattresses.

Choice E reason: Repositioning the client once per shift is not an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because repositioning the client once per shift is not frequent enough to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin that reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. The nurse should reposition the client at least every 2 hours or more often if needed, depending on the client's condition and risk factors.

Choice A reason: Popping bursae from standing is not the cause of the grating sound. Bursae are fluidfilled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction. Popping bursae may produce a snapping or clicking sound, but not a grating sound.

Choice B reason: A herniated disk in the diseased joint is not the cause of the grating sound. A herniated disk is a condition where the soft inner part of the intervertebral disk bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. A herniated disk may cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but not a grating sound.

Choice C reason: Pieces of bone and cartilage floating is the cause of the grating sound. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of the cartilage and bone in the joints. Pieces of bone and cartilage may detach and float in the joint space, causing a grating sound when the joint moves.

Choice D reason: Years of an autoimmune process is not the cause of the grating sound. An autoimmune process is a condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. An autoimmune process may cause inflammation, swelling, or damage to the joints, but not a grating sound.