The nurse is preparing communication for a provider. The client is experiencing acute pain in the anterior forearm. Distal to the injury, he is experiencing a "pins and needles" sensation. The pulse is weak and the skin is pale. The nurse suspects an emergent condition. What is it?

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin routinely after soiling occurs is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because soiling from urine, feces, sweat, or wound drainage can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, infection, or breakdown. The nurse should use a gentle cleanser and warm water and pat the skin dry. The nurse should also avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol, or perfumes on the skin.

Choice B reason: Applying moisturizer to dry areas of skin is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because dry skin is more prone to cracking, peeling, or tearing. The nurse should use a hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it to the skin after cleansing and drying. The nurse should also avoid using products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or dyes on the skin.

Choice C reason: Using a Hoyer lift for all transfers is an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because a Hoyer lift is a mechanical device that helps to lift and move 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 nurse from injuring themselves by lifting the client manually.

Choice D reason: Massaging the client’s reddened shoulders and heels is not an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. In fact, this may worsen the skin injury by increasing the pressure and damage to the tissues. The nurse should avoid massaging any areas that are reddened, swollen, or blistered, as these are signs of pressure ulcers. The nurse should instead relieve the pressure by repositioning the client or using pressurerelieving devices, such as pillows, foam pads, or air mattresses.

Choice E reason: Repositioning the client once per shift is not an effective intervention to prevent skin injury. This is because repositioning the client once per shift is not frequent enough to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin that reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. The nurse should reposition the client at least every 2 hours or more often if needed, depending on the client's condition and risk factors.

Choice A reason: Stage 1 is a wound that involves only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It appears as a nonblanchable redness, warmth, or hardness on intact skin. It does not have any breakage or ulceration of the skin.

Choice B reason: Stage 2 is a wound that involves the epidermis and the dermis, the second layer of the skin. It appears as a shallow, open, reddened ulcer with a partialthickness loss of skin. It may have some serous exudate, but no slough or eschar. It may also present as a blister or abrasion.

Choice C reason: Stage 3 is a wound that involves the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue, the third layer of the skin. It appears as a deep, open, reddened ulcer with a fullthickness loss of skin. It may have some slough or eschar, but no exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. It may also have tunneling or undermining of the wound edges.

Choice D reason: Stage 4 is a wound that involves the epidermis, the dermis, the subcutaneous tissue, and the underlying structures, such as bone, tendon, or muscle. It appears as a deep, open, reddened ulcer with a fullthickness loss of skin and tissue. It has exposed bone, tendon, or muscle, which may be visible or palpable. It may also have slough, eschar, necrosis, infection, or osteomyelitis.