Patient Data

History and Physical

The client is a 22-year-old female with a history of asthma. She was diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms at ages 14 and 16. She denies smoking but drinks alcohol 1 to 2 times a week. She reports taking edible marijuana to relieve severe premenstrual symptoms. She came to the emergency department when she started having difficulty breathing on a hike. She took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve. The client’s friend called an ambulance when they noticed her distress.

Nurses’ Notes

The client is admitted to the medical floor. She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. The client is pale. She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally.

Vital Signs

Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 91% on room air.

Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.

Choice A rationale

Reducing the infant’s fruit intake for 24 hours is not the best approach in this situation. While certain fruits can cause diarrhea, the parent reports no signs of watery stools. Therefore, this intervention may not address the issue of the red and raw diaper area.

Choice B rationale

Cleaning with soap and water at each diaper change can actually worsen the condition. Soap can dry out the skin and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, potentially leading to more irritation. It’s generally recommended to use water and a soft cloth, or a gentle non-soap cleanser, to clean the diaper area.

Choice C rationale

Changing the child’s diaper more frequently is the most appropriate intervention. A wet or dirty diaper can irritate the skin, leading to diaper rash. By changing the diaper more often, the skin is kept clean and dry, which can help the rash heal.

Choice D rationale

Applying lotion with each diaper change is not typically recommended for diaper rash. Some lotions can contain fragrances or other ingredients that can further irritate the rash. Instead, a barrier cream or ointment, such as one containing zinc oxide, is often recommended.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice D rationale: Keeping the nails trimmed short is crucial for a child with eczema because it minimizes the damage done when the child scratches their skin. Short nails reduce the risk of breaking the skin and causing infections or further irritation, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. This preventive measure helps maintain the skin's integrity and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Choice A rationale: Allowing the child to wear only 100% cotton clothing can help reduce skin irritation as cotton is a soft, breathable fabric. However, it is not as directly related to preventing the harm caused by scratching.

Choice B rationale: Applying baby lotion to the skin can help keep the skin moisturized, but it might not be sufficient for eczema management. A more intensive emollient or specific eczema treatment may be needed.

Choice C rationale: Bathing the child daily with bath oil can help moisturize the skin, but over-bathing can sometimes exacerbate eczema. It's important to use gentle, non-irritating bath products and to follow other guidelines, such as trimming nails.