By providing measures to reduce skin breakdown, how does the nurse break the chain of infection?

Choice A reason: Padding hard surfaces is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it reduces the pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues. Hard surfaces, such as bed rails, wheelchair arms, or footrests, can cause compression or irritation of the skin, especially over the bony prominences. Padding hard surfaces with foam, gel, or air cushions can provide protection and comfort for the client.

Choice B reason: Keeping head of bed (HOB) at or less than 30 degrees is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it prevents the sliding or shifting of the client in bed. Sliding or shifting can cause shear and friction on the skin, especially over the sacrum, coccyx, or heels. Keeping head of bed (HOB) at or less than 30 degrees can maintain the alignment and stability of the client in bed.

Choice C reason: Keeping head of bed (HOB) elevated to 75 degrees is not a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, but rather one that increases the risk of pressure injuries. Elevating the head of bed (HOB) to 75 degrees can cause the client to slide or shift in bed, which can increase the shear and friction on the skin, as explained above. Elevating the head of bed (HOB) to 75 degrees can also increase the pressure on the sacrum, coccyx, or heels, which can impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Having client sit in wheelchair as much as possible is not a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, but rather one that increases the risk of pressure injuries. Sitting in wheelchair as much as possible can cause prolonged pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues, especially over the ischial tuberosities, sacrum, coccyx, or heels. Sitting in wheelchair as much as possible can also reduce the mobility and activity of the client, which can affect the blood circulation and muscle tone.

Choice E reason: Placing pillows between bony surfaces is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it relieves the pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues. Bony surfaces, such as the ankles, knees, hips, or elbows, can cause compression or irritation of the skin, especially when they are in contact with each other or with the bed. Placing pillows between bony surfaces can provide cushioning and separation for the skin and tissues.

Choice A reason: "Because it is easy to digest." is not the best response by the nurse. This is not a valid reason for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein supplements may or may not be easy to digest depending on the type and amount of protein and the client's digestive system. The ease of digestion is not the main goal of protein supplementation.

Choice B reason: "If you don't like it, you don't have to take it." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a dismissive and unprofessional response that does not address the client's question or concern. Protein supplements are prescribed for a reason and the client should be educated on the benefits and risks of taking or refusing them. The nurse should also respect the client's preferences and choices and offer alternatives if possible.

Choice C reason: "These supplements have nothing to do with your wound." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a false and misleading statement that contradicts the evidencebased practice of wound care. Protein supplements have a lot to do with wound healing as they provide the essential nutrients for tissue repair and regeneration. Protein deficiency can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection and complications.

Choice D reason: "Protein has amino acids that promote wound healing." is the best response by the nurse. This is a factual and informative statement that explains the rationale for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues. Amino acids are involved in various processes of wound healing, such as collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune response. Protein supplementation can enhance wound healing and prevent protein malnutrition.