To maintain skin integrity for an immobile client, what product should the nurse use?

Using an alcohol-free barrier product is essential for maintaining skin integrity in an immobile client because these products provide a protective layer that helps prevent skin breakdown. Immobile clients are at a higher risk for pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on certain areas of the skin, and maintaining their skin's moisture balance and protecting it from irritants is crucial.

Alcohol-free barrier creams or products create a barrier against moisture, friction, and incontinence, which can help prevent maceration and skin damage. They allow the skin to breathe while hydrating it without the drying effects of alcohol. This is particularly important in preventing skin issues in clients who cannot move frequently enough to relieve pressure.

In contrast, using an alcohol-based skin cleanser may damage the skin by stripping away natural oils and drying it out, increasing the risk of skin irritation and breakdown. Hydrating lotions can be beneficial but may not provide the necessary barrier protection needed for immobile clients, and antiseptic foams are typically used for infection control rather than for maintaining skin integrity.