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

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.

Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.

Choice A reason: Wearing a gown is the correct answer, because it is the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious infections in the skin, blood, lungs, or other organs. MRSA can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected wound or contaminated surfaces. Wearing a gown can protect the nurse's clothing and skin from exposure to MRSA.

Choice B reason: Wearing sterile gloves is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Sterile gloves are used for sterile procedures, such as inserting a catheter or changing a dressing, not for routine assessments, such as checking the pulse. Wearing sterile gloves can be wasteful and unnecessary, and it does not provide adequate protection from MRSA.

Choice C reason: Wearing a PAPR mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. PAPR stands for powered airpurifying respirator, and it is a type of mask that filters the air and provides positive pressure to the wearer. PAPR masks are used for airborne precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through the air, such as tuberculosis or measles, not for clients who have MRSA.

Choice D reason: Wearing a surgical mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Surgical masks are used for droplet precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis, not for clients who have MRSA.