A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is on isolation for an infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

A. Use a moisture barrier on the client's skin: Applying a moisture barrier cream helps protect the skin from irritation caused by constant exposure to stool and urine. It creates a protective layer that prevents breakdown, reduces friction, and maintains skin integrity in incontinent clients.

B. Clean the client's skin with soap and hot water: Using soap and hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and cause dryness or irritation, which increases the risk of breakdown. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water is recommended instead to preserve skin health.

C. Massage the area around the client's coccyx: Massaging bony prominences can damage fragile tissue and capillaries in older adults, increasing the risk for pressure injuries rather than preventing them. Light touch is appropriate, but firm massage should be avoided in at-risk areas.

D. Limit the client's fluid intake: Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, concentrated urine, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is essential to support overall health and skin resilience, even when managing incontinence.

• "Use sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light.": After thyroid surgery, especially if the client has Graves’ disease and associated exophthalmos, the eyes may remain sensitive to light. Wearing sunglasses helps protect the eyes from irritation and prevents further discomfort while healing progresses.
• "Continue eating foods with protein.": Maintaining adequate protein intake is important for healing after surgery. Protein supports tissue repair, immune function, and recovery, making it an essential part of the client’s postoperative nutrition plan.
• "Remain on bedrest for 3 to 5 days following discharge.": Prolonged bedrest after thyroid surgery is not recommended. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots and promotes recovery. Clients are usually encouraged to resume light activities shortly after surgery.
• "You need to support your neck when coughing or moving.": After thyroidectomy, supporting the neck when coughing, sneezing, or repositioning helps protect the surgical site, reduces strain on the incision, and minimizes discomfort, promoting safer healing.
• "You will no longer need to take any medications for your thyroid now that you have had surgery.": This is incorrect because many clients require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy after a thyroidectomy to maintain normal metabolic function, depending on how much thyroid tissue was removed.