A client has a patch test performed with the following results. Which of the following is the best response the nurse will offer the client regarding the observations from the test?

Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice. Washing towels, sheets, and pillowcases is a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it prevents reinfection and transmission of bacteria or viruses. The client has conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.

Choice B Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using antifungal drops 3 times a day is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not effective for conjunctivitis. Antifungal drops are used for fungal infections of the eye, which are rare and usually occur after trauma or surgery. The client may need antibiotic or antiviral drops, depending on the cause of conjunctivitis.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Scheduling a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) exam is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not relevant for conjunctivitis. STIs can affect the eyes, but they usually cause different symptoms, such as redness, pain, or discharge from the urethra or vagina. The client may need to be tested for STIs if they have other risk factors or signs of infection.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Avoiding going outside during daylight hours is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not necessary for conjunctivitis. The client may experience sensitivity to light, but they can wear sunglasses or avoid direct sunlight to protect their eyes. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching their eyes, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and discard any eye makeup or cosmetics that may be contaminated.

Choice A Reason: The test does not assess for sun protection factor, but rather for contact dermatitis. Sun protection factor is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause sunburn and skin damage.

Choice B Reason: The test is not inconclusive, but rather positive for some allergens and negative for others. The test involves applying small patches of different substances to the skin and observing for any reactions after 48 hours.

Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. The presence of erythema indicates you are allergic to the allergen, as it shows inflammation and irritation of the skin due to an immune response. Erythema is redness of the skin that can be accompanied by itching, swelling, or blisters.

Choice D Reason: The areas that did not turn red do not indicate low risk for skin cancer, but rather no reaction to the allergen. Skin cancer is a malignant growth of abnormal cells in the skin that can be caused by various factors, such as genetic mutations, exposure to carcinogens, or immunosuppression.