What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with presbycusis?

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.

A. Bowel incontinence

Not a common sign of drug reaction; may relate to neurological or GI dysfunction but is not specific to drug effects.

B. Skin rash

Can occur, but less common in older adults due to reduced immune responsiveness.

C. Kidney failure

A serious outcome, not an early or common sign. Often results from long-term nephrotoxicity rather than an acute adverse reaction.

D. Restlessness

Older adults may exhibit non-specific signs such as restlessness, confusion, agitation, or falls as early indicators of drug toxicity.