A nurse is caring for a client who is it at risk for a pressure injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Place the client on a low-fiber diet:
A low-fiber diet is not recommended for patients experiencing constipation. Fiber plays a key role in bowel regularity by absorbing water and adding bulk to stool, which promotes movement through the intestines. In fact, a high-fiber diet (from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) is usually recommended for clients with constipation. Reducing fiber intake can worsen constipation and should be avoided unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider for specific conditions (e.g., during acute exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease).

B) Request a prescription for a mineral oil for the client:
Mineral oil is a laxative that is sometimes used to relieve constipation, but it is typically used only for short-term relief and under specific circumstances. Long-term use of mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and can also lead to a lipid pneumonia if aspirated. It is not the first-line intervention for a patient on bed rest with constipation and should not be used indiscriminately without a provider's recommendation.

C) Encourage the client to drink cold fluids:
While fluid intake is essential for managing constipation, it is not specifically the temperature of the fluid that makes a difference. Both cold and room temperature fluids are effective, but encouraging the client to increase fluid intake overall is the most important action. Water is particularly helpful, as it helps soften stool and aids in the movement through the colon.

D) Increase the client's fluid intake:
Increasing fluid intake is the most effective intervention for constipation, especially for a client on bed rest. Adequate hydration helps to soften stool and can promote more regular bowel movements. Inactive individuals, such as those on bed rest, are more prone to constipation because of decreased physical activity and potentially insufficient fluid intake.

A) Keep the head of the client’s bed elevated to 45 degrees:
Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries, particularly in clients who are already at risk. This position can cause shearing forces and increase pressure on areas such as the sacrum, heels, and hips, making it more likely for pressure ulcers to develop.

B) Provide the client with a high-calorie diet:
A high-calorie diet is important for clients at risk of pressure injuries because adequate nutrition supports skin integrity and wound healing. Clients at risk for pressure injuries often have compromised nutritional status, and providing sufficient calories, protein, and other nutrients helps improve tissue regeneration and resilience. A high-calorie, high-protein diet helps prevent further breakdown of the skin and supports the healing process for any existing wounds.

C) Massage the client’s bony prominences:
Massaging bony prominences, such as the heels, elbows, and sacrum, is not recommended because it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of pressure injury. Instead, the focus should be on minimizing pressure on these areas and using appropriate methods to redistribute pressure, such as repositioning the client or using pressure-relieving devices.

D) Reposition the client every 4 hours:
Repositioning the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for those at high risk for pressure injuries. For individuals who are immobile or at high risk, repositioning should typically occur at least every 2 hours to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the body.