Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

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If a nurse finds that a patient's foam overlay has compressed to 0.75 inches, what does this indicate?

Moisture retention
Adequate support
Excess wear
Bottoming out

The correct answer is: Bottoming out

The indication that a patient's foam overlay has compressed to 0.75 inches typically reflects a situation where the overlay is no longer providing effective support. When an overlay is described as "bottoming out," it means that the patient is pressing through the foam to the underlying surface, which can significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries. Foam overlays are designed to distribute weight evenly and provide cushioning to reduce pressure on bony prominences. If the foam is too compressed, it can no longer fulfill this function adequately. In this case, compression to 0.75 inches suggests that the foam has lost its ability to absorb and distribute pressure, leading to a likelihood that the patient is experiencing pressure on areas that could lead to skin breakdown. This situation warrants further assessment and likely replacement of the overlay to ensure that the patient remains safe and comfortable.