Question

An older adult who is in acute care has a risk of skin breakdown. Which interventions are beneficial to the client? Select all that apply.

A) Repositioning the client every 2 hours.
B) Applying moisturizing lotion to intact skin.
C) Providing a low-air-loss mattress.
D) Using an alcohol-based sanitizer on bony prominences.

Answer 1

For an older adult in acute care at risk of skin breakdown, beneficial interventions include repositioning the client every 2 hours, applying moisturizing lotion to intact skin, and providing a low-air-loss mattress.

Step-by-step explanation:

An older adult in acute care is at risk of skin breakdown, which can result in conditions like bedsores or decubitis ulcers. To prevent skin breakdown, several interventions are beneficial:

• Repositioning the client every 2 hours to alleviate pressure and enhance blood flow to various parts of the body.
• Applying moisturizing lotion to intact skin to maintain skin integrity and prevent dryness, which is one of many factors that can contribute to skin breakdown.
• Providing a low-air-loss mattress to help distribute pressure more evenly and minimize the likelihood of pressure ulcers forming.

On the other hand, using an alcohol-based sanitizer on bony prominences is not recommended as it can dry out the skin and potentially contribute to breakdown. It's important to keep the skin clean and hydrated but do so with products that won't cause further irritation or dryness.