The parent of a 7-month-old brings the infant to the clinic because the skin in the diaper area is excoriated and red, but there are no blisters or bleeding. The parent reports no evidence of watery stools. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Phototherapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light to help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. It can be particularly beneficial in a hospital setting where natural light exposure may be limited, potentially aiding in mood stabilization and improving sleep patterns.
B. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. While the client's symptoms and presentation do not immediately suggest bipolar disorder, lithium could be considered if there are indications of mood instability or severe emotional dysregulation that are not adequately controlled by other medications.
C. Consciousness raising refers to increasing awareness and understanding of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In the context of therapy, it can help the client process traumatic experiences, gain insight into their reactions, and develop coping strategies. This approach can be integrated into various forms of psychotherapy.
D. CBT is a structured form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders by helping individuals challenge negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
E. ECT involves passing electrical currents through the brain to intentionally trigger a brief seizure. It is primarily used for severe depression or other mental illnesses that have not responded to other treatments. Given the client's presentation and the availability of less invasive treatments, ECT would generally not be considered unless her condition worsens significantly and other therapies are ineffective or contraindicated.
F. Animal therapy involves interacting with animals, such as therapy dogs or horses, to improve mood, reduce stress, and provide emotional support. This type of therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, offering comfort and companionship.

Rationale

A. Wearing a face mask is a standard precaution to protect against airborne or droplet transmission of pathogens. However, MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces rather than through the air.

B. Contact precautions are essential for preventing the spread of MRSA. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in direct contact with the client or potentially contaminated surfaces. However, this is not of immediate concern.

C. Monitoring the white blood cell count (WBC) is crucial in assessing for signs of infection, including wound infections. An increase in WBC count can indicate systemic infection or local wound infection, which might be related to MRSA. Early detection and prompt reporting allow for timely intervention, such as initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy or further wound assessment.

D. This is because maintaining a clean environment around the wound is crucial to prevent infection