A client with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease asks the nurse about dietary restrictions. How should the nurse respond?

Choice A rationale:

Colloidal oatmeal-based lotions can be soothing and moisturizing for dry, itchy skin, but they are not effective in treating the inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis.

They do not address the underlying hyperproliferation of skin cells that is characteristic of psoriasis.

While they may provide temporary relief of symptoms, they are not a long-term solution for managing the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for psoriasis.

They work by reducing inflammation, slowing the growth of skin cells, and easing itching and scaling. They come in a variety of strengths and formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, and foams.

The type of corticosteroid and the strength of the medication will depend on the severity of the psoriasis and the location of the lesions.

It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for use carefully, as overuse of topical corticosteroids can lead to side effects such as thinning of the skin and rebound flares.

Choice C rationale:

Topical analgesics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, can be used to temporarily relieve pain and itching associated with psoriasis.

However, they do not address the underlying inflammation and scaling, and they should not be used as a primary treatment for the condition.

They may be used as adjunctive therapy in conjunction with topical corticosteroids or other psoriasis medications.

Choice D rationale:

Topical antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot or ringworm. They are not effective in treating psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition rather than a fungal infection.

Using a topical antifungal medication for psoriasis could potentially worsen the condition or lead to other skin problems.

Choice A rationale:

Deep breathing and coughing exercises are not a priority intervention immediately following eye surgery. They are more commonly used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, in patients who have undergone general anesthesia or have respiratory conditions.

While deep breathing and coughing exercises can help promote circulation and prevent blood clots, they are not directly relevant to protecting the eye after surgery.

Engaging in deep breathing and coughing exercises too soon after eye surgery could potentially increase intraocular pressure, which could strain the healing eye and potentially lead to complications.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours is a standard nursing intervention for monitoring a patient's overall condition, but it is not the most immediate priority following eye surgery.

Vital signs can provide important information about the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, but they do not directly address the protection of the surgically treated eye.

While monitoring vital signs is important, it does not specifically address the prevention of injury or complications to the eye itself.

Choice C rationale:

Providing an eye shield is the most crucial intervention to protect the eye immediately following surgery. The eye shield serves several important purposes:

Protection from accidental injury: It prevents the patient from accidentally rubbing or bumping the eye during sleep, which could cause further damage or disrupt the healing process.

Prevention of infection: It helps to keep the eye clean and free from debris, reducing the risk of infection. Reduction of swelling: It can help to minimize swelling and discomfort by applying gentle pressure to the eye area.

Promotion of healing: By creating a dark and protected environment, the eye shield can promote rest and healing of the tissues.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching a family member to administer eye drops is an important intervention for long-term care, but it is not the most immediate priority following surgery.

The patient may be able to administer eye drops independently, or a nurse may be responsible for administering them in the initial post-operative period.

Focusing on teaching family members about eye drop administration right after surgery could distract from more urgent priorities, such as protecting the eye with an eye shield.