What is the priority intervention for the nurse to enhance meeting the psychosocial needs of a client on transmissionbased precautions?

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: Shearing or friction is the force that caused the injury, because it occurs when the skin and underlying tissues move in opposite directions, such as when the client slides down in bed. Shearing or friction can damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin, resulting in tissue ischemia, necrosis, and ulceration.

Choice B reason: Pressure or gravity is not the force that caused the injury, because it occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface, such as when the client lies on his back. Pressure or gravity can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin, resulting in tissue damage and ulceration.

Choice C reason: Chemical or pressure is not the force that caused the injury, because it occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance that causes irritation, inflammation, or corrosion, such as when the client has a wound dressing that contains an antiseptic or a topical agent. Chemical or pressure can damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection and delayed wound healing.

Choice D reason: Twisting and bending is not the force that caused the injury, because it occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are stretched or distorted, such as when the client twists his ankle or bends his knee. Twisting and bending can cause sprains, strains, or tears of the ligaments, tendons, or muscles.