A nurse is caring for a client who has limited mobility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain the client's skin integrity?

The correct answer is choice B: Empty the drainage bag when it is three-fourths full.

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning the perineal area at least once a day is important for maintaining hygiene, but it is not the most relevant action in this scenario. The focus here is on managing the urinary catheter and its drainage bag.

Choice B rationale:

Emptying the drainage bag when it is three-fourths full is the correct action. An indwelling urinary catheter requires regular drainage to prevent the risk of infection and blockages. Allowing the bag to become too full could lead to backflow and increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections.

Choice C rationale:

Flushing the catheter with sterile water daily is not typically part of routine catheter care. Catheter flushing might be done for specific medical reasons, but it is not a general guideline for indwelling catheters.

Choice D rationale:

Disconnecting the drainage bag when emptying and measuring urine is incorrect. Maintaining a closed system is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. Disconnecting the bag could increase the risk of infection.

The correct answer is Choice C: Take vitamin D supplements.

Choice A rationale:

Reducing intake of calcium-rich foods would not be a suitable recommendation. Calcium is essential for bone health, and a client with minimal sunlight exposure is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which affects calcium absorption. Therefore, this choice would worsen the client's situation.

Choice B rationale:

Using sunscreen with an SPF of 8 is unlikely to provide adequate protection against the harmful effects of sunlight. Moreover, the client's issue is vitamin D deficiency due to minimal sunlight exposure, and using sunscreen would further hinder vitamin D synthesis.

Choice C rationale:

Taking vitamin D supplements is the most appropriate intervention. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and since the client has minimal sunlight exposure, supplements are necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency. This choice addresses the root cause of the issue.

Choice D rationale:

Using a tanning bed is not recommended for increasing vitamin D levels. Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Moreover, excessive UV exposure is not a safe or controlled method for addressing vitamin D deficiency.