A nurse is teaching a patient with contact dermatitis of the arms ...

[Mr3Hunna]

A nurse is teaching a patient with contact dermatitis of the arms and legs about ways to decrease pruritus. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Cool, wet cloths or dressings can be used to reduce itching.
  b. Take cool or tepid baths several times daily to decrease itching.
  c. Add oil to your bath water to aid in moisturizing the affected skin.
  d. Rub yourself dry with a towel after bathing to prevent skin maceration.
  e. Use of an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine can reduce scratching.

Question 2

The nurse working in the dermatology clinic assesses a young adult female patient who is taking isotretinoin (Accutane) to treat severe cystic acne. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a need for further questioning of the patient?
 
  a. The patient recently had an intrauterine device removed.
  b. The patient already has some acne scarring on her forehead.
  c. The patient has also used topical antibiotics to treat the acne.
  d. The patient has a strong family history of rheumatoid arthritis.

[nixon_s]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, E
Cool or tepid baths, cool dressings, and OTC antihistamines all help reduce pruritus and scratching. Adding oil to bath water is not recommended because of the increased risk for falls. The patient should use the towel to pat (not rub) the skin dry.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Because isotretinoin is teratogenic, contraception is required for women who are using this medication. The nurse will need to determine whether the patient is using other birth control methods. More information about the other patient data may also be needed, but the other data do not indicate contraindications to isotretinoin use.