Final answer:
The correct nursing intervention for preventing skin breakdown due to moisture is to keep the skin dry and free from maceration. Managing moisture is essential in maintaining skin integrity and preventing the development of bedsores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate nursing intervention for a patient who is at risk for skin breakdown due to moisture is to keep the skin dry and free of maceration. Excessive moisture can contribute to skin breakdown, providing a conducive environment for the development of bedsores or decubitus ulcers. Keeping the skin dry helps maintain its integrity and prevents the deterioration that can lead to serious complications, such as infection or necrosis.
To manage skin breakdown risk, it is also essential to provide adequate nutrition, use pressure-redistribution surfaces to mitigate pressure on bony prominences, and ensure patients are able to reposition themselves using aids like a trapeze if they have enough strength and mobility to do so. While all these interventions are important for overall skin care and preventing bedsores, the direct measure against moisture-induced skin damage is to ensure the skin remains dry and intact.