Which action by the nurse can help prevent skin breakdown in a client with limited mobility?

Encouraging the use of a trapeze bar for changing positions is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility. This device allows the patient to assist in repositioning themselves, which helps redistribute pressure on different areas of the body. By engaging in movements that relieve pressure, the risk of developing pressure ulcers is significantly reduced. The trapeze bar promotes independence, provides a means for patients to shift their weight easily, and fosters mobility, all of which are essential factors in maintaining skin integrity.

While using a foam mattress can provide additional cushioning, it is not as effective in promoting mobility as a trapeze bar. Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health and skin hydration but does not directly influence repositioning or pressure relief. Encouraging frequent repositioning by staff is also a good practice; however, it relies on staff compliance and may not empower the patient as much as the trapeze bar does, which can lead to more consistent repositioning and active participation from the client. Overall, enabling a client to reposition themselves can have a more robust impact on preventing skin breakdown.