Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam Related

Review Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam related questions and content

An older adult male client is admitted to the medical unit following a fall at home. When undressing him, the nurse notes that he is wearing an adult diaper and skin breakdown is obvious over his sacral area. What action should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Establish a toileting schedule to decrease episodes of incontinence
  • B. Complete a functional assessment of the client's self-care abilities
  • C. Apply a barrier ointment to intact areas that may be exposed to moisture
  • D. Determine the size and depth of skin breakdown over the sacral area
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The first action the nurse should implement is to determine the size and depth of the skin breakdown over the sacral area. This initial assessment will provide crucial information on the extent of the damage and guide appropriate care interventions. Option A is not the priority in this scenario as the immediate concern is addressing the existing skin breakdown. Option B, completing a functional assessment, is important but should come after addressing the acute issue of skin breakdown. Option C, applying a barrier ointment, may be beneficial later but does not address the primary need of assessing the extent of the current skin damage.