What nursing interventions decrease the risk of pressure injuries? (Select all that apply.)

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: "I will use a humidifier during the winter months." is not the correct answer, because it indicates a good understanding of dry skin. Using a humidifier during the winter months is a helpful measure to prevent or treat dry skin, as it can increase the moisture level in the air, which can hydrate the skin and reduce the loss of natural oils.

Choice B reason: "I will shower every day in hot water." is the correct answer, because it indicates a need for further teaching about dry skin. Showering every day in hot water is a harmful practice that can worsen dry skin, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils, damage the skin barrier, and cause irritation and inflammation.

Choice C reason: "I will avoid tight belts." is not the correct answer, because it indicates a good understanding of dry skin. Avoiding tight belts is a helpful measure to prevent or treat dry skin, as it can reduce the friction and pressure on the skin, which can prevent skin breakdown and infection.

Choice D reason: "I will drink at least 3000 mL of water daily." is not the correct answer, because it indicates a good understanding of dry skin. Drinking at least 3000 mL of water daily is a helpful measure to prevent or treat dry skin, as it can hydrate the body and the skin, and flush out toxins and waste products.