Which nursing action is most effective in maintaining skin integrity for a 9-year-old child with cerebral palsy and incontinence?

Maintaining skin integrity in a child with cerebral palsy and incontinence is crucial due to the risk of skin breakdown from prolonged exposure to moisture and irritants. Changing disposable diapers every 2 to 3 hours is the most effective action because it minimizes the time the skin is in contact with moisture and waste. This regular change helps to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, rashes, and potential infections, which can occur if the skin is not kept clean and dry.

In this context, while bathing the child daily can contribute to overall hygiene, it does not specifically address the issues arising from incontinence as effectively as regular diaper changes. Using cloth diapers might seem beneficial because of their softness and breathability; however, they may not effectively wick moisture away from the skin as disposable diapers do, which can lead to irritation. Similarly, while applying lotion can provide a protective barrier to the skin, doing it every other hour may not be practical or sufficient in preventing skin integrity issues related to incontinence, especially when compared to the proactive measure of frequently changing the diaper. Therefore, the most effective nursing action is to change disposable diapers frequently to keep the skin dry and protected.