A nurse is planning care to prevent skin breakdown for a client who is immobile and has urinary incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.
Arrange for an alternating pressure mattress.
Apply cornstarch to the client's skin.
Reposition the client every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
An alternating pressure mattress can help prevent skin breakdown in a client who is immobile by redistributing pressure and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. This is an appropriate action for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client who is immobile and has urinary incontinence.
a. An indwelling urinary catheter can increase the risk of infection and should only be used when other methods of managing urinary incontinence are not effective.
c. Cornstarch can absorb moisture and help keep the skin dry, but it is not recommended for use on broken skin or in areas where there is a risk of fungal infection.
d. Repositioning the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough to prevent skin breakdown. The client should be repositioned at least every 2 hours to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is that the client can apply lotion to their feet if they avoid the area between their toes. Moisturizing the feet can help prevent dry skin and cracking, which are common problems for people with diabetes. However, it is important to avoid applying lotion between the toes, as this can create a moist environment that promotes the growth of fungus and bacteria¹.
Options a, b and d are not correct statements by the client that indicate an understanding of proper foot care for diabetes. Using a pumice stone to soften calluses on the feet, going barefoot just in the house and using a heating pad when feet are cold are not recommended practices for people with diabetes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The development of erythema (redness) along the path of the vein indicates phlebitis at the IV site. Phlebitis refers to inflammation of the vein, often caused by irritation or infection. When phlebitis occurs, the vein becomes inflamed and can appear red, warm, and tender to touch. Erythema is a characteristic sign of phlebitis and suggests that the client's IV site has become irritated or infected.
Let's now discuss why the other
Options are not the correct answers:
- Coolness of the client's left forearm: Coolness of the forearm is not typically associated with phlebitis. Instead, it may suggest compromised blood flow to the area, such as arterial insufficiency, rather than inflammation of the vein.
- Pallor of the client's left forearm: Pallor, or paleness, of the forearm is not a typical finding in phlebitis. It usually indicates reduced blood flow or decreased oxygenation to the area, which can be caused by factors other than inflammation of the vein.
- Pitting edema at the insertion site: Pitting edema refers to the indentation that remains when pressure is applied to an area of swelling and then release. While edema can occur at the insertion site of an IV, it is not a specific indicator of phlebitis. Edema can result from multiple causes, such as fluid overload or localized inflammation, and its presence does not necessarily confirm the presence of phlebitis.
In summary, the presence of erythema along the path of the vein is the finding that indicates the development of phlebitis at the IV site. This redness suggests inflammation of the vein, which can be caused by various factors including irritation or infection. The other
Options, such as coolness of the forearm, pallor of the forearm, or pitting edema at the insertion site, are not specific indicators of phlebitis and may be associated with different underlying conditions or factors.

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