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

Choice A reason: Postponing daily bed bath is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. Bed bath is a hygiene measure that helps to keep the skin clean and dry and prevent infection. Friction and shear are caused by the rubbing and pulling of the skin against the bed surface, not by the bed bath itself.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client’s head of the bed to 45 degrees is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. In fact, this may increase the risk as the client may slide down the bed due to gravity and cause more friction and shear on the skin. The head of the bed should be kept at the lowest possible angle, preferably less than 30 degrees, unless contraindicated by the client’s condition.

Choice C reason: Caregiver independently slides the client up in bed is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. This may cause more damage to the skin as the caregiver may exert excessive force and drag the client’s skin along the bed surface. The caregiver should use a draw sheet or a slide board to lift and reposition the client with the help of another person.

Choice D reason: Use a mechanical lift to reposition the client every 2 hours is the most appropriate intervention for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. A mechanical lift is a device that helps to transfer and reposition the client safely and comfortably. It reduces the friction and shear on the skin by lifting the client off the bed surface and avoiding any sliding or dragging. It also prevents the caregiver from injuring themselves by lifting the client manually. The client should be repositioned every 2 hours to relieve the pressure on the skin and prevent pressure ulcers.

Choice A reason: Send the client back to surgery is not the nurse's next action, because it is premature and inappropriate. Sending the client back to surgery requires a medical order and a clear indication of the need for surgical intervention. The nurse cannot make this decision without first assessing the wound and contacting the provider.

Choice B reason: Call the provider immediately is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Calling the provider immediately is an important action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and gathering the necessary data. The nurse should be able to report the findings of the wound assessment, such as the size, shape, color, amount, and type of drainage, as well as the vital signs, pain level, and mental status of the client.

Choice C reason: Assess the wound for signs of dehiscence is the nurse's next action, because it is the most urgent and relevant. Assessing the wound for signs of dehiscence is a priority action, because it can identify the cause and severity of the problem. Dehiscence is a complication that occurs when the surgical incision splits open or separates, which can cause increased drainage, pain, and infection. Dehiscence can be caused by factors such as infection, poor wound healing, excessive strain, or trauma. Dehiscence can be detected by inspecting the wound for gaps, edges, or protrusions.

Choice D reason: Prepare to culture the wound is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Preparing to culture the wound is a possible action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and contacting the provider. Culturing the wound is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of the wound drainage and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Culturing the wound requires a medical order and a sterile technique.