A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The client is incontinent of stool and urine. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin breakdown?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Use a moisture barrier on the client's skin: Applying a moisture barrier cream helps protect the skin from irritation caused by constant exposure to stool and urine. It creates a protective layer that prevents breakdown, reduces friction, and maintains skin integrity in incontinent clients. B. Clean the client's skin with soap and hot water: Using soap and hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and cause dryness or irritation, which increases the risk of breakdown. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water is recommended instead to preserve skin health. C. Massage the area around the client's coccyx: Massaging bony prominences can damage fragile tissue and capillaries in older adults, increasing the risk for pressure injuries rather than preventing them. Light touch is appropriate, but firm massage should be avoided in at-risk areas. D. Limit the client's fluid intake: Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, concentrated urine, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is essential to support overall health and skin resilience, even when managing incontinence.