Review the table below showing risk factors for the client. Highlight the interventions that are appropriate and safe for each risk factor. Risk Factor Intervention Risk for infection Have the client wear a surgical mask Discontinue metformin Encourage the client to use good hand hygiene Risk for skin breakdown Hold the client's metformin Use an indwelling urinary catheter Assess the skin beneath the nasal cannula and blood pressure cuff regularly Risk for falls Provide appropriate footwear Dim the lights in the room Apply restraints

Rationale for correct choices • Encourage the client to use good hand hygiene: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of infections. Encouraging the client to wash hands before meals, after using the restroom, and after touching surfaces helps reduce exposure to pathogens. This intervention is safe, non-invasive, and supports infection control in both the hospital and community setting. It addresses the client’s risk without unnecessary restrictions. • Assess the skin beneath the nasal cannula and blood pressure cuff regularly: Regular inspection of skin under medical devices helps identify early signs of pressure injury or irritation. Nasal cannulas and blood pressure cuffs can cause redness, breakdown, or ulceration if left in place for prolonged periods. This assessment allows timely interventions, such as repositioning or padding, to prevent skin compromise. • Provide appropriate footwear: Wearing non-slip, supportive footwear reduces the risk of falls in older adults by improving stability and grip on the floor. This intervention is safe and promotes independence while minimizing injury risk. It addresses the client’s mobility needs without restricting movement or causing harm. Proper footwear is a practical, preventive measure for fall risk in hospitalized older adults. Rationale for incorrect choices • Have the client wear a surgical mask: While surgical masks can reduce transmission of respiratory pathogens, routine mask use for a client without a confirmed infectious respiratory condition is unnecessary and may be uncomfortable. Infection prevention is better achieved through hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. Masking is not indicated for general risk reduction in this case. • Discontinue metformin: There is no indication to discontinue metformin solely for infection risk. Metformin is prescribed to manage blood glucose and should continue unless contraindicated by renal dysfunction, contrast dye administration, or other clinical concerns. Stopping it unnecessarily could destabilize the client’s diabetes. • Hold the client’s metformin: Holding metformin is not indicated for the prevention of skin breakdown. Skin integrity risk is unrelated to metformin administration. Holding the medication could negatively impact glycemic control without benefiting skin health. • Use an indwelling urinary catheter: Indwelling catheters increase the risk of urinary tract infections and should be avoided unless medically necessary. Using a catheter to prevent skin breakdown is unsafe and contradicts infection control guidelines. Non-invasive measures, such as regular repositioning and padding, are safer alternatives. • Dim the lights in the room: Dimming lights may reduce visibility and increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults with impaired vision. Adequate lighting is essential for safe ambulation and reducing fall risk. This intervention is unsafe and counterproductive for fall prevention. • Apply restraints: Restraints should only be used as a last resort when all other safety measures have failed. Applying restraints can increase confusion, agitation, and risk of injury in older adults. It is not a safe first-line intervention for fall prevention.