A nurse working on an orthopedic unit is caring for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for skin breakdown?
An adolescent who has a cervical fracture and is in a halo brace
A middle adult who has a fractured radius and an arm cast
An older adult who has a hip fracture and is in Buck's traction
A young adult who has a femur fracture and is in skeletal balanced suspension traction
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Although the adolescent in a halo brace has some immobility, the greatest risk factors for skin breakdown involve areas where prolonged pressure is applied, and older adults are more vulnerable due to age-related skin changes.
B. A fractured radius and arm cast do not pose a significant risk for skin breakdown because the client can still mobilize and reposition themselves, reducing prolonged pressure.
C. An older adult with a hip fracture in Buck's traction is at greatest risk for skin breakdown due to immobility, pressure from the traction setup, and the reduced skin elasticity and healing capacity that come with age.
D. While skeletal balanced suspension traction poses some risk, a young adult typically has better skin integrity and mobility than an older adult, reducing the risk for skin breakdown.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A guaiac test does not check for parasites. Tests for parasites typically involve microscopic examination of the stool or other specialized tests.
B. Steatorrhea refers to fat in the stool, and this is detected through tests that measure fat content in the stool, not a guaiac test.
C. A guaiac test is specifically used to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, polyps, or colorectal cancer.
D. Bacteria in the stool is detected through stool cultures, not a guaiac test.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Requesting an indwelling urinary catheter is not appropriate for preventing skin breakdown; catheters can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and skin irritation.
B. Cleaning the skin and perineum with hot water can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, using mild soap and warm water is recommended for cleaning.
C. Checking the client's skin every 8 hours may not be frequent enough for a client with incontinence, as more frequent assessments are needed to catch signs of breakdown early.
D. Applying a moisture barrier ointment to the skin protects it from moisture and irritants, helping to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. This action is proactive and aligns with best practices for skin care.