The nurse is providing medication education for a client with osteoarthritis. What teaching should the nurse include in the education?

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: A client with leukemia is a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells, especially the white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. Leukemia causes the production of abnormal and immature white blood cells that cannot function properly and crowd out the normal ones. This leads to a condition called leukopenia, which is a low level of white blood cells. Leukopenia makes the client more vulnerable to infection by reducing the immune system's ability to defend against pathogens.

Choice B reason: A child who is immunized is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Immunization is a process that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease. Immunization protects the child from getting infected by the disease or reduces the severity of the infection if it occurs. Immunization also prevents the spread of the disease to other people who are not immunized or who are immunocompromised.

Choice C reason: A 60yearold client is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Age is a factor that may influence the susceptibility to infection, but it is not the most important one. Older adults may have a weaker immune system due to aging, chronic diseases, or medications, but they may also have a stronger immune memory due to previous exposure to pathogens. The risk of infection in older adults depends on their overall health status, lifestyle, and preventive measures.

Choice D reason: A hospitalized 35yearold client is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Hospitalization is a factor that may increase the exposure to infection, but it is not the most significant one. Hospitalized clients may encounter various sources of infection, such as health care workers, other clients, medical equipment, or invasive procedures, but they may also receive adequate infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, isolation, sterilization, or prophylaxis. The risk of infection in hospitalized clients depends on their diagnosis, treatment, and compliance.