Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

A patient with advanced dementia is bedbound and at risk of developing pressure ulcers. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to prevent pressure ulcer formation?

  • A. Turn the patient every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony prominences.
  • B. Apply barrier creams or moisture barriers to protect vulnerable skin areas.
  • C. Use pressure-relieving support surfaces, such as specialized mattresses or cushions.
  • D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection in at-risk skin areas.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in bedbound patients at risk, such as those with advanced dementia, is to use pressure-relieving support surfaces like specialized mattresses or cushions. These surfaces help distribute the pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pressure ulcer formation on bony prominences. Turning the patient every 2 hours (choice A) can also help relieve pressure, but it may not be sufficient to prevent pressure ulcers in high-risk individuals. Applying barrier creams or moisture barriers (choice B) can help protect the skin but may not address the underlying issue of pressure on vulnerable areas. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (choice D) is not recommended for preventing pressure ulcers as it does not address the root cause of the problem and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the priority intervention should be to use pressure-relieving support surfaces to minimize the risk of pressure ulcers in