The quality and risk nurse in the local hospital is performing a hospital survey on sentinel events. Which statement would the nurse use to best describe a sentinel event?

Choice A reason: Removing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care since it has not occurred is not a good action, because it does not account for the possibility of future impairment. The client is still at risk for impaired skin integrity due to the prolonged bed rest, and the nurse should continue to monitor and prevent any skin breakdown.

Choice B reason: Keeping the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care the same since the risk factors are still present is the best action, because it reflects the current situation and the potential problem. The client has not developed impaired skin integrity, but the risk factors have not changed. The nurse should maintain the interventions that have been effective in preventing skin impairment, such as turning, repositioning, moisturizing, and inspecting the skin.

Choice C reason: Modifying the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired skin integrity is not a good action, because it does not match the data. The client has not shown any signs of impaired skin integrity, such as redness, blanching, breakdown, or ulceration. The nurse should not change the diagnosis based on assumptions or predictions, but on evidence.

Choice D reason: Changing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired mobility is not a good action, because it does not address the original problem. The client may have impaired mobility due to the bed rest, but that is not the focus of the question. The question is about the risk for impaired skin integrity, which is a different issue that requires different interventions. The nurse should not ignore or replace the existing diagnosis without justification.

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.