A nurse is performing a mobility assessment on a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Clean the client's skin with hot water. Using hot water to clean a client's skin who is incontinent can be harmful. Hot water can damage the skin and exacerbate any existing skin issues. It is essential to use lukewarm water and gentle, pH-balanced cleansers to prevent skin irritation.

Choice B rationale:

Dry between folds in the client's skin. This is the correct answer. When caring for a client who is incontinent, it is crucial to ensure that the skin is kept clean and dry. Moisture between skin folds can lead to skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers. Drying the skin thoroughly helps prevent these issues.

Choice C rationale:

Apply baby powder to the client's skin. Applying baby powder is not recommended, as it can create a moist environment that may promote the growth of fungi and bacteria. It can also potentially lead to respiratory issues if the client inhales the powder. It's better to focus on keeping the skin clean and dry without using powder.

Choice D rationale:

Restrict the client's fluid intake. Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a suitable approach. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to various complications and negatively impact the client's overall health. Instead, focus on managing incontinence through appropriate hygiene and the use of incontinence products. .

Choice A rationale:

The "Region" in the PQRST mnemonic refers to the location of the pain. It helps identify where the pain is occurring in the body. While this information is important, it does not address the quality or nature of the pain, which is what the nurse is asking the client to describe.

Choice B rationale:

"Severity" in the PQRST mnemonic relates to how intense the pain is. It helps in assessing the degree of pain the client is experiencing, but it does not address the quality or nature of the pain, which is what the nurse is inquiring about.

Choice C rationale:

"Quality" in the PQRST mnemonic pertains to the description of the pain itself. It helps the nurse understand the characteristics of the pain, such as whether it is sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, etc. This information is essential for a more accurate assessment of the pain's underlying cause, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

"Precipitating cause" in the PQRST mnemonic is concerned with what factors or actions might trigger the pain. While this information is valuable, it does not directly address the nature or quality of the pain, which is what the nurse is trying to assess.