In the SPICES assessment tool the "C" stands for

A. Encourage the patient to talk to the primary care physician about the problem

While involving the PCP is helpful, the nurse can provide direct, effective care and education first.

B. Establishing a medication regimen to control the discomfort

Medication may be necessary in severe cases, but non-pharmacologic measures like moisturizing are safer and often more effective initially.

C. Encourage the patient to take a tepid bath and use moisturizers

Tepid baths prevent skin dryness, and applying moisturizers helps restore the skin barrier, relieving pruritus.

D. Teach the patient that pruritus is an expected consequence of aging

While more common with aging, pruritus should not be dismissed; it is treatable and can significantly affect quality of life.

A. Orthostatic hypotension
This is a cardiovascular complaint, not a respiratory one. It refers to a drop in blood pressure upon standing.

B. Exertional dyspnea
As lung elasticity and chest wall compliance decrease with age, shortness of breath during activity is a common respiratory complaint in older adults.

C. Inability to breathe
This is a severe and acute symptom that requires emergency care, not a common age-related complaint.

D. Increased respirations
Tachypnea may indicate illness (e.g., infection, heart failure), but it is not a routine complaint in healthy aging.