12 Questions
What type of water should patients be encouraged to use for baths to help manage pruritus?
Tepid or lukewarm water
Why is it advised to avoid vigorously rubbing the skin with a towel after bathing?
To worsen pruritus
What is something patients with pruritus should avoid to prevent exacerbation of their condition?
Rubbing vigorously with a towel
Why should patients with bacterial infections like phoroncles, boils, or pimples avoid squeezing them?
To spread infection
What should be avoided to reduce contagion of partners and neonates for patients with herpes simplex?
Sharing meals
Why is it important for patients to take prescribed antiviral medications as educated?
To ensure effectiveness of treatment
What is the primary goal of therapy for dermatologic disorders?
To prevent additional damage
What is the most common symptom of dermatologic disorders?
Pruritus
What is an important part of the nursing management of dermatologic disorders?
Educating the patient on self-care
What can cause pruritus in addition to dermatologic disorders?
Diabetes
What can also cause pruritus in some cases?
Radiation therapy
What is an important consideration when administering medications to patients with dermatologic disorders?
Avoiding medications that can cause pruritus
Study Notes
Pruritus Management
- Pruritus can be caused by psychological factors, such as stress
- Patient education is crucial, including reinforcing prescribed therapeutic regimens and promoting self-care
- Patients should avoid digging into their skin, as it can lead to infection and worsening of pruritus
- Tepid or lukewarm water should be used for baths, and cool soaps or washcloths are recommended
- Avoiding vigorous rubbing with a towel and lubricating skin after bathing can help manage pruritus
- Patients should avoid situations that cause vasodilation, such as overly warm environments, and ingestion of alcohol, hot foods, and liquids
Infectious Diseases of the Skin
- Bacterial infections include impetigo, folliculitis, phoroncles, and carbuncles
- Viral infections include herpes zoster and herpes simplex
- Fungal infections include tineas
- Patient education is essential for managing infectious diseases, including hygiene, skin and lesion care, and medication use
Patient Education
- For bacterial infections, patients should be educated on antibiotics, hygiene, and skin and lesion care
- For viral infections, patients should be educated on prescribed antiviral medications, lesion care, dressings, and hand hygiene
- For fungal infections, patients should be educated on medication use and management of dermatologic disorders
Nursing Management
- Objectives of therapy include preventing additional damage, preventing secondary infection, reversing inflammatory processes, and relieving symptoms
- Nursing management includes obtaining a health history, direct observation, physical assessment, and patient education
- Nursing care includes administration of topical and systemic medications, wound care and dressings, and providing for patient hygiene
Pruritus
- Pruritus is the most common symptom of dermatologic disorders
- It is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that creates an urge to scratch
- Pruritus can involve any part of the body and may be the first indication of internal disease, such as diabetes, blood disorders, or cancer
- Causes of pruritus include medications, hormones, opioids, soaps, and chemicals, as well as radiation therapy
Test your knowledge on the nursing management of patients with dermatologic disorders. Learn about discussing therapy objectives, preventing damage and infections, reversing inflammatory processes, and relieving symptoms. Explore topics like obtaining health history and direct observation in nursing management.
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