A nurse is providing care for a client with a halo device. The client has developed skin breakdown and irritation around the pin sites. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement to prevent further skin complications?
Ensure that the vest supporting the halo device is snug and properly aligned.
Apply a thick layer of zinc oxide cream around the pin sites.
Pad the areas of skin breakdown with foam dressing to reduce friction and pressure.
Loosen the halo device to reduce pressure on the skin.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While ensuring proper alignment is important, it does not address the existing skin breakdown and irritation.
B. Applying zinc oxide cream may not be appropriate as it can trap moisture, potentially worsening the skin condition around pin sites.
C. Padding the areas of skin breakdown with foam dressing is an appropriate intervention as it can provide cushioning, reduce friction, and protect the skin from further injury.
D. Loosening the halo device could compromise the stabilization it provides and may not effectively address skin integrity issues.
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