A nurse is assessing a patient with a fungal skin infection. Which potential complication should the nurse be particularly vigilant for in this patient?

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the patient on the correct application of topical antifungal medications is important, but it may not be the top priority.

While proper application is essential, preventing reinfection and transmission are key to managing fungal skin infections effectively.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer because it addresses two critical aspects of preventing complications related to fungal skin infections.

Wearing breathable footwear helps maintain a dry environment, which inhibits fungal growth, and avoiding sharing personal items reduces the risk of reinfection and transmission.

Choice C rationale:

Educating the patient on proper hygiene practices, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, is important for managing fungal skin infections.

However, it is not the highest priority compared to preventing reinfection and transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the patient's response to treatment and documenting improvements or complications is an essential nursing responsibility.

However, it is not the most critical intervention to prevent complications related to the infection.

Prevention measures take precedence.

Choice A rationale:

Fever.

Fever is not typically a clinical manifestation of fungal skin infections.

Fungal skin infections are localized and do not usually cause systemic symptoms like fever.

Choice B rationale:

Itching and redness.

Itching and redness are common clinical manifestations of fungal skin infections.

These infections can cause itching and skin irritation, leading to redness.

Choice C rationale:

Nail discoloration.

Nail discoloration is a potential clinical manifestation of fungal skin infections, especially in cases of nail fungal infections (onychomycosis).

Fungal infections can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle.

Choice D rationale:

Hair loss.

Hair loss can be a clinical manifestation of fungal skin infections, particularly in cases of scalp fungal infections (tinea capitis).

Fungal infections can affect the hair follicles and lead to hair loss in affected areas.

Choice E rationale:

Swelling and pus formation.

Swelling and pus formation are less common clinical manifestations of fungal skin infections.

These symptoms are more characteristic of bacterial skin infections (cellulitis or abscesses) rather than fungal ones.