To prevent skin tears, which action should you take?

Keeping your fingernails short and smoothly filed is essential in preventing skin tears, particularly in vulnerable populations such as elderly patients or those with fragile skin. Long or jagged nails can easily catch on clothing, bedding, or even the skin itself, which increases the risk of causing tears. By maintaining well-groomed nails, you reduce the likelihood of unintentional injury during care activities, thereby contributing to overall skin integrity and patient safety.

While wearing gloves, simple earrings, and practicing hand hygiene are important aspects of personal care and infection control, they do not directly address the specific prevention of skin tears. Gloves can protect the caregiver and the patient from infection, but they do not prevent skin from being caught or torn. Simple earrings may be a consideration for personal safety to avoid snagging during care, but they do not significantly impact the integrity of the skin itself. Practicing hand hygiene is crucial for infection prevention, but it does not play a role in avoiding skin tears. Therefore, regularly managing nail care is a focused and effective measure for preventing skin injuries.