A nurse is caring for a client who is incontinent of urine. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Keep the client's skin area moist: Moist skin increases the risk of breakdown and irritation. For incontinent clients, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry rather than intentionally moist. B. Rinse the client's skin with hot water: Hot water can damage fragile skin and increase irritation. Cleansing should be done with mild, lukewarm water and gentle soap if needed. C. Apply a thin layer of cornstarch to the client's skin: Cornstarch can create a moist environment that promotes fungal growth and increases the risk of infection. It is not recommended for incontinence care. D. Apply barrier cream to the client's cleansed skin: Barrier creams, such as zinc oxide or petrolatum-based products, protect the skin from urine and moisture, preventing irritation and breakdown. This is the recommended nursing intervention for incontinence-associated dermatitis prevention.