Which of the following is a preventative intervention for skin tears?

Padding hard surfaces is a preventative intervention for skin tears because it helps to minimize the risk of injury to fragile skin. Individuals, particularly older adults or those with compromised skin integrity, are at a higher risk for skin tears from friction or impact against hard surfaces. By providing a cushion between the skin and potential sources of trauma, padding can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing skin tears.

This approach is aligned with the principles of skin protection in wound care, focusing on minimizing external risks while promoting skin integrity. Other options may not provide the protective benefits needed to prevent skin tears; for instance, using harsh adhesives can actually damage delicate skin, and wearing short sleeves or using cotton balls may not effectively reduce the risk of physical impacts that lead to skin tears.