An older adult client visits the community health clinic, reporting the onset of pain, redness, and swelling in the right eye.
What is the most important for the clinic nurse to ask the client?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Showering with non-perfumed soaps immediately after practice is a good practice for a teenager with a history of recurring atopic dermatitis (eczema) who wants to play high school sports. Heat and humidity can cause perspiration, which intensifies itching with atopic dermatitis (eczema), so the client should be encouraged to shower, using non-perfumed soaps, as soon as possible after physical activity to remove perspiration.

Choice B rationale

Informing the parents of problems associated with perspiration for those with eczema is also important. However, this does not directly address the teenager’s desire to play sports. It’s more of a secondary action that supports the primary action of managing the condition.

Choice C rationale

Informing the athletic coach of the teenager’s skin condition and its manifestations could be helpful in ensuring that the coach understands the teenager’s needs and can support them appropriately. However, this is not the most direct action that the nurse can take to help the teenager manage their condition while playing sports.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the teenager to join the swim team instead of an outdoor sport could potentially reduce exposure to triggers for eczema flares, such as sweat and heat. However, chlorine in swimming pools can also be a trigger for some people with eczema. Therefore, this option might not be the best for everyone and should be considered on an individual basis.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Respite care is a service that provides temporary relief to primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest and take care of their own needs. It can be provided in the client’s home, a healthcare facility, or an adult day care center. This service is especially beneficial for caregivers who are feeling exhausted, as it offers them a break while ensuring that their loved ones continue to receive care. Therefore, suggesting that social services be contacted to find a respite care facility for the client would be the best information for the nurse to provide.

Choice B rationale

Hiring a private nurse, also known as concierge nursing, is another option for providing relief to caregivers. However, this option might not be feasible for all families due to the potential cost. Moreover, it might not provide the caregiver with the same level of relief as respite care, as the caregiver might still feel obligated to be involved in the client’s care.

Choice C rationale

A case management evaluation of the client’s home environment could be helpful in assessing the client’s needs and identifying potential resources or modifications that could make caregiving easier. However, this does not directly address the caregiver’s need for rest and relief from their duties.

Choice D rationale

Recommending that the client’s family return to the area to help provide assistance could potentially provide some relief to the caregiver. However, this might not be a feasible or immediate solution, as it depends on the family’s availability and willingness to relocate or travel.