The nurse is assessing a nervous 18-year-old patient who has vital signs of P 120, R 30, and BP 160/90. The patient states that he feels something bad is about to happen. Based on this data alone, how should the nurse identify the patient's level of anxiety?

A. Meeting patient goals. While meeting patient goals is important, it is the result of care and does not directly build trust or address psychosocial needs on its own.
B. Developing a care plan. Developing a care plan is essential for organizing patient care, but it is a behind-the-scenes activity that the patient may not directly perceive as building trust or addressing psychosocial needs.
C. Implementing nurse orders. Implementing nurse orders is part of routine care delivery but does not specifically build trust or address psychosocial needs.
D. Patient education. Patient education helps build trust by empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and care plan. It encourages patients to have confidence in the care they are receiving and addresses their psychosocial needs by reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

A. Trim the fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching. While this is good advice to prevent further skin damage, it does not directly address the itching.
B. Use cool, wet dressings and baths to promote vasoconstriction. Cool, wet dressings and baths can help soothe itching and reduce inflammation by promoting vasoconstriction.
C. Expose the areas to the sun to promote drying and healing of the lesions. Sun exposure can worsen irritation and is not recommended for treating contact dermatitis.
D. Wear cotton gloves and cover all other affected areas with clothing to prevent environmental irritation. While this can prevent further irritation, it does not directly manage the itching.