Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank related questions and content

While positioning the patient for surgery, the nurse notices that the patient's skin is not adequately protected from pressure injuries. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Apply a pressure-relieving device to the bony prominences
  • B. Document the observation in the preoperative checklist
  • C. Reposition the patient to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas
  • D. Continue with the positioning as planned
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should reposition the patient to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas. Pressure injuries can develop when there is prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue damage. Repositioning the patient helps to relieve the pressure and prevent the development of pressure injuries. Applying a pressure-relieving device may also be helpful, but the immediate action should be to reposition the patient to address the issue. Documenting the observation is important for documentation purposes, but the priority is to take action to prevent harm to the patient. Continuing with the positioning as planned without addressing the inadequate skin protection could lead to the development of pressure injuries, which should be avoided.