Which of the following is a critical step in admitting a patient with a risk of pressure injury?

Assessing the skin condition and documenting any breakdown is essential in admitting a patient at risk for pressure injuries. This critical step enables healthcare providers to establish a baseline for the patient's skin integrity and recognizes any existing issues that may necessitate immediate intervention. By documenting the condition of the skin, nurses can develop an appropriate care plan tailored to the patient's specific needs, monitor changes over time, and implement preventative strategies to avoid further skin damage. Early identification of skin breakdown allows for timely treatments, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing more severe pressure injuries.

Other activities, while important to patient care, do not directly address the immediate risk of pressure injuries in the same manner. For example, providing medication reminders, scheduling physical therapy sessions, and reviewing discharge plans are all valuable components of comprehensive patient care, but they do not specifically focus on the assessment and management of skin integrity at the point of admission. Prioritizing skin assessment aligns with best practices in wound care management, highlighting the importance of prevention in patients who may be particularly vulnerable.