A nurse receives a telephone prescription from a provider for a client who is experiencing pain. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Reposition the client every 3 hr: This is insufficient. The standard of care for a client at risk is repositioning at least every 2 hours while in bed and every 1 hour while sitting in a chair to ensure adequate blood flow to compressed tissues.

B. Place the client on a donut-shaped cushion: A donut-shaped cushion is not recommended for preventing pressure ulcers. It can increase pressure on the tissue, leading to further complications. A more effective intervention is use of pressure-redistribution surfaces.

C. Elevate the head of the bed to 45°: Elevating the head of the bed can increase pressure on the sacral area and can be uncomfortable for clients with mobility and incontinence issues. The head of the bed should be elevated only when necessary for breathing or comfort, not as a routine practice.

D. Request a consult with a registered dietitian: The client has decreased intake and may be at risk for malnutrition or dehydration. A dietitian’s input is essential to assess nutritional needs, especially for a client with diabetes and decreased mobility, to ensure proper healing and management.

E. Provide a support pressure-redistribution surface: A support pressure-redistribution surface is crucial for this client to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. These surfaces help alleviate pressure on bony prominences and distribute the body weight evenly to prevent tissue damage.

F. Perform a skin risk assessment weekly: Skin risk assessments should be done more frequently than weekly, especially for a client with decreased mobility, incontinence, and diabetes. Daily or at least twice-weekly assessments are needed to monitor for early signs of skin breakdown.

G. Use a moisture barrier ointment after cleaning the client's skin: Using a moisture barrier ointment is essential for protecting the skin, especially since the client has urinary and fecal incontinence. This will help prevent skin irritation and breakdown caused by exposure to moisture.

A. Call the provider to discuss the client's preference with them and their family: While involving the provider and family is important, the first step should be to educate the client about their options for designating a decision-maker.

B. Explain to the client the process of designating another individual to make decisions for them: The nurse should first provide information about how the client can designate a trusted individual to make decisions for them, such as through a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This allows the client to make an informed decision.

C. Ask the client to discuss these preferences with their family first: The nurse should first empower the client by explaining the process of designating a decision-maker. It is crucial to respect the client’s autonomy in making this decision before involving family.

D. Ask the client if they would like their wishes documented in their health care records: Before documenting, the nurse should ensure the client understands the process of assigning a decision-maker. Documentation is important, but the client needs to understand their options first.