The nurse is caring for a teenager with acne vulgaris. The client is concerned about potential scarring. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for addressing the client's concern?

Explanation: The nurse's role in addressing the client's concern about potential scarring is to provide emotional support and encouragement. Acne can have a significant impact on self-esteem, especially in teenagers. Encouraging open communication and offering support can help the client cope with the emotional aspect of acne and its potential effects on self-image.

Incorrect choices: a. Apply a topical retinoid liberally to prevent scarring. - While topical retinoids are used in the treatment of acne vulgaris, they are not specifically applied to prevent scarring. Their primary role is to promote skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.

b. Recommend using oil-based makeup products to cover acne scars. - Using oil-based makeup products may worsen acne and is not a recommended strategy for covering scars. Non-comedogenic makeup products are preferable for individuals with acne-prone skin.

c. Educate the client on avoiding sun exposure to minimize scarring. - While avoiding sun exposure is essential to protect the skin from UV damage, it does not specifically minimize scarring caused by acne. Preventing acne lesions and avoiding picking or squeezing existing lesions are more effective strategies to prevent scarring.

Explanation: The distribution of the lesions is a key diagnostic criterion used to differentiate acne vulgaris from acne rosacea. Acne vulgaris commonly affects the face, neck, chest, and back, while acne rosacea typically presents with erythema (redness) and affects the central areas of the face, such as the cheeks and nose.

Incorrect choices: a. Presence of comedones - The presence of comedones is common in both acne vulgaris and acne rosacea, and it does not help differentiate between the two conditions.

b. Age of the patient - While age can provide some clues, it is not a definitive diagnostic criterion as both acne vulgaris and acne rosacea can affect individuals of different age groups.

d. Severity of skin redness - The severity of skin redness is a characteristic of acne rosacea, but it alone does not differentiate it from acne vulgaris. The distribution of lesions is more specific for distinguishing between the two conditions.