What is the best nursing action when assisting an older patient to relieve the discomfort of pruritus related to dry skin?
Encourage the patient to talk to the primary care physician about the problem.
Establishing a medication regimen to control the discomfort.
Encourage the patient to take a tepid bath and use moisturizers
Teach the patient that pruritus is an expected consequence of aging.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Only ask questions with yes or no answers.
This limits communication and is not necessary. Hearing-impaired clients can engage in meaningful conversation when communication is properly supported.
B. Maintain eye contact with the client.
Maintaining eye contact and facing the client helps with lip reading and understanding facial cues, enhancing communication.
C. Stand to one side of the client and speak in their good ear.
Speaking directly in the ear is not appropriate as it may distort sound and invade personal space. Face the client instead.
D. Speak loudly with exaggerated enunciation.
This can actually distort speech and appear patronizing. Speaking clearly and at a normal volume is more effective.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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