A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the care of a child with infantile eczema.
What interventions would the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale

Abrasive pumice stones should be avoided in peripheral vascular disease. The reduced blood flow and neuropathy in this condition make the skin more fragile and susceptible to injury. Abrasions or small cuts from a pumice stone can lead to non-healing ulcers and serious infections due to poor circulation.

Choice B rationale

Wearing cheap flip-flops is not a good practice. They offer inadequate support and protection. Clients with peripheral vascular disease often have reduced sensation (neuropathy), making them unaware of foot injuries from ill-fitting or unprotected footwear. Properly fitting, supportive shoes are essential for foot protection.

Choice C rationale

Keeping feet dry, especially between the toes, prevents maceration and fungal infections like athlete's foot. In peripheral vascular disease, even minor skin breaks can become entry points for pathogens, leading to severe infections and ulcers that are difficult to heal due to compromised circulation.

Choice D rationale

Applying lotion is beneficial for dry skin but it should not be applied between the toes. Applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Fungal infections can lead to skin breakdown, which is a significant risk for ulceration and infection in clients with poor circulation.

Choice E rationale

Washing feet in room-temperature water is critical for client safety. Clients with peripheral vascular disease often have sensory deficits (neuropathy) and may not be able to accurately perceive temperature. Using hot water could easily cause burns, which in a client with poor circulation can lead to severe, non-healing wounds.

Choice F rationale

Daily inspection of the feet is a cornerstone of self-care for peripheral vascular disease. Clients should be taught to look for any cuts, sores, blisters, or redness. Early detection of these issues allows for prompt intervention before they can progress into serious, difficult-to-treat infections or ulcers.

Choice A rationale

While children with eczema may have a weakened skin barrier, which can increase the risk of certain infections, there is no direct scientific link that statistically increases the risk of pneumonia specifically. Pneumonia is primarily a respiratory infection, whereas eczema is a dermatological condition.

Choice B rationale

Acne is a condition caused by the overproduction of sebum and clogged hair follicles, which typically occurs during puberty. There is no direct causal relationship or increased risk of developing acne in children with infantile eczema, which is an inflammatory skin condition.

Choice C rationale

Sun sensitivity is not an increased risk directly associated with infantile eczema. Eczema affects the skin's barrier function and immune response, but it does not inherently increase the skin's susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation. Some topical treatments, however, may cause photosensitivity.

Choice D rationale

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is part of a triad of allergic conditions known as the "atopic march.”. This progression often starts with eczema in infancy, followed by food allergies, and later progresses to allergic rhinitis and asthma. This is due to a shared genetic predisposition and a hyper-responsive immune system.