Final answer:
To prevent skin breakdown in a client with urinary incontinence, a nurse should use a moisture barrier ointment, avoid limiting fluid intake, clean with warm water, and avoid cornstarch-based powders.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client with urinary incontinence can prevent skin breakdown by taking several measures. One effective intervention is to use a moisture barrier ointment, which provides a protective layer on the skin and prevents irritation from prolonged exposure to moisture. It is also essential to maintain proper hydration, so rather than limiting the client's fluid intake, which is not advisable, the nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake while taking steps to change incontinence products frequently. Cleaning the perineal area should be done with warm, not hot, water to avoid further skin irritation and potential burns. Lastly, rather than using a cornstarch-based powder, which can cake and lead to skin breakdown, a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser and a soft cloth should be employed to clean the area gently.
To prevent the development of skin breakdown in a client with urinary incontinence, the nurse should implement the following actions:
Use a moisture barrier ointment: This helps to protect the skin from moisture and reduces the risk of skin breakdown.
Clean the perineal area with warm water: Hot water can cause skin irritation, so it is important to use warm water instead.
Avoid using cornstarch-based powders: These powders can irritate the skin and increase the risk of skin breakdown.