A patient developed a severe contact dermatitis of the hands, arms, and lower legs after spending an afternoon picking strawberries. The patient states that the itching is severe and cannot keep from scratching

Which instruction would be most helpful in managing the pruritus?
a.
Use cool, wet dressings and baths to promote vasoconstriction.
b.
Trim the fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching.
c.
Expose the areas to the sun to promote drying and healing of the lesions.
d.
Wear cotton gloves and cover all other affected areas with clothing to prevent environmental irritation.


ANS: A
Wet dressings and using Burow's solution help promote the healing process. Cold compresses may be applied to decrease circulation to the area (vasoconstriction). Short nails prevent skin damage, but not pruritus.

Nursing

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Some clinical trials have indicated that garlic may have which of the following beneficial effects?

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