Question

The physician has ordered an emollient cream for a client with dry skin. To facili- tate 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

A. Dry the skin thoroughly and apply the cream. B. Use vigorous circular motions 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. Answer: C. Apply the cream 2-3 minutes after the bath.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluation of Option A

Option A states that the nurse should "dry the skin thoroughly and apply the cream." Drying the skin thoroughly may not be the best approach as it might remove the moisture that the emollient cream is supposed to lock into the skin. Therefore, option A is not the best choice for facilitating rehydration of the skin.

Evaluation of Option B

Option B suggests that the nurse should "use vigorous circular motions to apply the cream." This method may not be suitable as vigorous motions could cause further irritation or damage to the client's dry skin. Gentle application is usually recommended for emollient creams. So, option B is not the best choice either.

Evaluation of Option C

Option C advises the nurse to "apply the cream 2-3 minutes after the bath." This is ideal because the skin will still be moist, allowing the emollient cream to lock in the moisture, which facilitates skin rehydration. Therefore, option C seems to be the best choice.

Evaluation of Option D

Option D states that the nurse should "use the cream only if flaking of the skin is noted." This method is not a good option because it is important to continuously maintain skin hydration, even when the skin isn't actively flaking. Prevention is better than waiting for the condition to worsen. So, option D is not the best choice.

Choose the Best Option

Based on our evaluation of each option, option C, "apply the cream 2-3 minutes after the bath," is the best choice for facilitating rehydration of the client's skin when using an emollient cream.