When creating a care plan for an immobile client at risk for pressure injury, which intervention should be prioritized?

The prioritization of interventions for an immobile client at risk for pressure injuries primarily centers around strategies that have the most direct impact on skin integrity and injury prevention. While applying moisturizing lotion is important for skin care, the use of a pressure-relieving mattress directly addresses one of the critical risk factors for pressure injuries—sustained pressure on bony prominences.

Using a pressure-relieving mattress distributes the body's weight more evenly, reducing the amount of pressure on any one area and enhancing blood flow, which is crucial for preventing tissue ischemia and subsequent injury. Pressure injury prevention requires strategies that mitigate mechanical forces against the skin, making this intervention a top priority.

Although changing positions and increasing protein intake are valuable components of a comprehensive care plan, the immediate mechanical support provided by a pressure-relieving mattress significantly decreases the risk of developing pressure injuries, making it a more critical intervention in this context. By focusing on devices that directly affect the risk of pressure injury formation, the care plan can best support the client's overall skin health and integrity.