A nurse working on a surgical unit is developing a care plan for a client who has paraplegia. The client has an area of nonblanchable erythema over his ischium. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?
Place the client upright on a donut-shaped cushion.
Turn and reposition the client every 15 minutes while sitting.
Apply a moisture-barrier cream to the affected area.
Turn and reposition the client every 3 hours while in bed.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Donut-shaped cushions are contraindicated because they create a ring of high pressure that restricts blood flow to the central area. This can worsen tissue ischemia and accelerate skin breakdown.
Choice B rationale: Clients with paraplegia sitting in a chair should be repositioned every 15 minutes to relieve pressure. Frequent shifts are necessary because sitting exerts higher pressure on the ischial tuberosities than lying down.
Choice C rationale: Moisture-barrier creams are used to protect skin from incontinence or wound drainage. Nonblanchable erythema indicates a stage 1 pressure injury, which requires pressure relief rather than a topical moisture barrier.
Choice D rationale: While in bed, the standard of care is to turn and reposition the client at least every 2 hours. A 3-hour interval is too long and increases the risk of further tissue damage.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining initial assessments requires clinical judgment and is outside the scope of assistive personnel (AP). Registered nurses must perform assessments to identify health changes accurately. Delegating this task violates scope of practice regulations, making it illegal and unsafe for AP to perform.
Choice B reason: Changing a nonsterile dressing is within the scope of assistive personnel, as it involves routine, non-invasive care under nurse supervision. AP are trained for such tasks, which do not require clinical judgment, making this a legal and appropriate delegation choice.
Choice C reason: Interpreting laboratory results requires advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making, reserved for registered nurses or providers. Assistive personnel lack the training to analyze results, so delegating this task is illegal and risks patient safety, making it an incorrect choice.
Choice D reason: Educating clients and families involves assessing learning needs and tailoring information, which requires nursing judgment. Assistive personnel are not trained for patient education, making this task outside their scope and illegal to delegate, thus an incorrect choice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A single light fixture along the sidewalk provides limited illumination, insufficient for comprehensive safety. Multiple, evenly spaced lights are needed to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Inadequate lighting increases risks of trips or assaults, indicating the client’s understanding of outdoor safety is incomplete and does not fully address home safety needs.
Choice B reason: Changing smoke alarm batteries annually ensures functional alarms, reducing fire-related mortality by 50%. Regular maintenance supports early smoke detection, enabling timely evacuation or response. This action reflects a strong understanding of fire safety, a critical home safety component, making it the best indicator of the client’s safety awareness.
Choice C reason: A small area rug at the front door poses a tripping hazard, particularly for those with mobility issues. Loose rugs can lead to falls, causing injuries like fractures. This finding suggests the client does not fully understand fall prevention, a key aspect of home safety, making it an incorrect indicator of safety awareness.
Choice D reason: Securing electrical cords under furniture risks fire hazards if cords are damaged or pinched, potentially causing electrical shorts. Cords should be secured along walls or with covers to prevent tripping without compromising safety. This indicates a misunderstanding of electrical safety, increasing fire or injury risks, and is not a correct safety measure.
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