When assessing a new patient at the outpatient clinic, the nurse ...

[saraeharris]

When assessing a new patient at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notes dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Instruct the patient about the importance of nutrition in skin health.
  b. Make a referral to a podiatrist so that the nails can be safely trimmed.
  c. Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.
  d. Teach the patient about using moisturizing creams and lotions to decrease dry skin.

Question 2

A patient with atopic dermatitis has a new prescription for pimecrolimus (Elidel). After teaching the patient about the medication, which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
 
  a. After I apply the medication, I can go ahead and get dressed as usual.
  b. I will need to minimize my time in the sun while I am using the Elidel.
  c. I will rub the medication gently onto the skin every morning and night.
  d. If the medication burns when I apply it, I will wipe it off and call the doctor.

[bbburns21]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The patient has clinical manifestations that could be caused by systemic problems such as malnutrition or hypothyroidism, so further diagnostic evaluation is indicated. Patient teaching about nutrition, addressing the patient's dry skin, and referral to a podiatrist may also be needed, but the priority is to rule out underlying disease that may be causing these manifestations.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The patient should be taught that transient burning at the application site is an expected effect of pimecrolimus and that the medication should be left in place. The other statements by the patient are accurate and indicate that patient teaching has been effective.

[saraeharris]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bdobbins]

Excellent