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A client is experiencing numbness and tingling distal to a new arm cast with no increase in pain. The nurse assesses that the client's fingers are pale, cool, and swollen. What action does the nurse take next?

Choice A reason: A 44yearold prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia is not at the greatest risk for pressure injury development, because he or she does not have any major risk factors for pressure injury. Pressure injury is a localized damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by pressure, shear, friction, or moisture. Antibiotics for pneumonia do not directly affect the skin integrity or blood circulation, nor do they impair the mobility or sensation of the client.

Choice B reason: A 26yearold bedridden client with a fractured leg is at a high risk for pressure injury development, but not the greatest, because he or she has only one major risk factor for pressure injury. Bedridden status is a major risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes prolonged pressure on the bony prominences, such as the sacrum, heels, or hips, which can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues. However, the client's age, fracture, and mobility may mitigate some of the risk, as he or she may have better skin elasticity, wound healing, and ability to reposition.

Choice C reason: A 65yearold with hemiparesis and incontinence is at the greatest risk for pressure injury development, because he or she has multiple major risk factors for pressure injury. Age is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes decreased skin elasticity, thickness, and vascularity, which can affect the skin's resilience and repair. Hemiparesis is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes reduced mobility, sensation, and muscle mass, which can affect the client's ability to reposition, feel pain, and maintain tissue perfusion. Incontinence is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes moisture, irritation, and infection of the skin, which can weaken the skin barrier and delay wound healing.

Choice D reason: A 78yearold requiring assistance to ambulate with a walker is at a moderate risk for pressure injury development, but not the greatest, because he or she has only one major risk factor for pressure injury. Age is a risk factor for pressure injury, as explained above. However, the client's ambulation and assistance may reduce some of the risk, as he or she may have less pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and tissues, and more blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

Choice A reason: Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Contaminated equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, or needles, should be disposed of in designated containers or bags to prevent exposure or injury to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice B reason: Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Used syringes, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be discarded into punctureresistant, leakproof, and labeled containers to prevent needlestick injuries or exposure to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice C reason: Changing soiled linens is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Soiled linens, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be changed and handled with gloves and minimal agitation to prevent contamination or aerosolization of pathogens. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice D reason: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care, because it reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands of the health care worker, which are the most common source and mode of transmission of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with the client, after contact with potentially infectious materials, after removing gloves, and before and after performing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene can be performed by washing with soap and water or using alcoholbased hand rubs.