What complication of wound healing is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin?

Choice A reason: Fowler's position is a semisitting position with the head of the bed elevated at 45 to 60 degrees. This position allows for maximum expansion of the chest and improves ventilation and oxygenation. It also reduces the work of breathing and prevents the abdominal organs from compressing the diaphragm.

Choice B reason: Sim's position is a sidelying position with the lower arm behind the back and the upper knee flexed. This position is used for patients who are unconscious, have difficulty swallowing, or are receiving an enema. It does not facilitate breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.

Choice C reason: Prone position is a lying position with the face down and the arms at the sides or bent at the elbows. This position is used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or severe lung injury to improve oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation. It is not recommended for patients with COPD as it may increase the risk of aspiration, pressure ulcers, and nerve damage.

Choice D reason: Lateral position is a sidelying position with the upper leg slightly flexed and supported by a pillow. This position is used for patients who are resting or sleeping to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort. It does not improve breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.

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.