The nurse is caring for an elderly patient with Alzheimer's ...

[javeds]

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease who is ambulatory but requires total assistance with his activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse notices that his skin is dry and wrinkled. The nurse should
 
  a. Make sure that the patient is receiving daily baths.
  b. Reduce the number of baths per week if possible.
  c. Be aware that sweat glands become more active with aging.
  d. Be sure that the patient is using soap with his bath.

Question 2

The patient is diagnosed with pediculosis capitis (head lice) and was treated upon admission and was re-treated 24 hours later, yet the patient is still infested. The nurse should next
 
  a. Re-treat the patient with a medicated shampoo for eliminating lice.
  b. Use a product containing lindane to get rid of the lice.
  c. Manually remove the lice using a fine-toothed comb.
  d. Have the patient bathe or shower thoroughly.

[xMRAZ]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Decreasing the number of baths per week may help prevent further drying of the skin. As people age, the skin loses its resiliency and moisture, and sebaceous and sweat glands become less active. Daily bathing as well as bathing with water that is too hot or soap that is harsh causes the skin to become excessively dry.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Manual removal is the best option when treatment has failed. Re-treating with a medicated shampoo may lead to adverse reactions and should not be done without consulting the care provider. Products containing lindane should not be used because the ingredient is toxic and is known to cause adverse reactions. Although bathing or showering is a good idea, this is usually considered a treatment for pediculosis corporis (body lice), not pediculosis capitis (head lice).