Question

The physician has ordered an emollient cream for a client with dry skin. To facilitate rehydration of the skin, the nurse should do which of the following? A. Dry the skin thoroughly and apply the cream B. Use vigorous circular motion to apply the cream C. Apply the cream 2-3 minutes after the bath D. Use the cream only if flaking of the skin is noted

Short answer

Answer: The best nursing action is to apply the cream 2-3 minutes after bathing, as it allows the skin to retain some moisture and helps the cream penetrate better to lock in hydration.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluating option A

In option A, drying the skin thoroughly before applying the cream might not be an effective action because dry skin is less receptive to absorbing the moisture. It is best to apply the cream on slightly damp skin.

Evaluating option B

In option B, using vigorous circular motion to apply the cream can be counterproductive. Vigorous motion can cause irritation and further damage to the dry skin, thus impeding the healing process. The application should be gentle and with minimal rubbing.

Evaluating option C

In option C, applying the cream 2-3 minutes after bathing allows the skin to remain slightly damp and warm, which helps the cream penetrate and lock in moisture more effectively. This may be a good way to facilitate rehydration.

Evaluating option D

In option D, using the cream only if the skin is flaking might not be an effective action since it limits the application of the cream. Emollients should be applied regularly to maintain the skin's hydration, regardless of flaking.

Choosing the best option

Based on the evaluation of each option, the best nursing action to facilitate rehydration of the skin when applying an emollient cream is C. Apply the cream 2-3 minutes after the bath, as it allows the skin to retain some moisture, and the cream can penetrate better to lock in the hydration.

Key concepts

Nursing Skin Care

Proper skin care in the nursing field is vital for patient comfort and prevention of skin breakdown. For individuals with dry skin, the application of emollient creams is a common intervention. Emollients act by creating a protective layer over the skin surface, trapping moisture beneath it and decreasing water loss.

When applying emollient cream, remember to use gentle, non-abrasive methods to prevent skin irritation. The best time to apply such creams is shortly after bathing, when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps the cream to absorb better and rehydrate the skin more effectively. Nursing best practices dictate applying emollients not only when dryness is visible, but regularly, to maintain skin integrity and hydration.

Key Nursing Application Tips:

• Apply creams shortly after bathing.
• Use gentle strokes rather than vigorous rubbing.
• Adopt a consistent application routine for maintenance.

Rehydrating Dry Skin

Dry skin can result from factors like aging, environmental changes, underlying medical conditions, and harsh detergents. To combat dry skin, rehydration through the use of emollients is essential.

Emollients offer a source of external moisture and must be used in a way that maximizes their benefits. Applying the cream to slightly damp skin is a key technique, as it captures and seals in the water on the skin’s surface. If the skin is thoroughly dried off before application, the product may not be as effective.

Rehydration Strategies:

• Use lukewarm water for bathing, as hot water can increase skin dryness.
• Pat the skin gently with a towel, leaving it slightly damp, before cream application.
• Maintain regular moisturizing routines, even without visible dryness.

Patients with dry skin can also benefit from lifestyle adjustments such as increasing water intake and using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) requires an understanding of various nursing interventions and their rationales. Knowledge about skin care, including the correct application of emollient creams, is a topic that may be encountered on the exam.

Candidates should study not only the procedure but also the reasoning behind choosing specific care methods. For example, knowing that emollient cream should be applied on damp skin to facilitate rehydration is a detail that could be tested.

Tips for NCLEX-PN Preparation:

• Understand the principles of nursing interventions.
• Focus on the rationale behind each action.
• Utilize practice questions to familiarize yourself with scenario-based inquiries.

In-depth knowledge of routine nursing practices, like skin care and emollient cream application, forms a crucial part of ensuring a well-rounded understanding upon which exam questions are based.