A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports dry, itchy skin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This situation involves a medication error that could potentially harm the client, and it should be reported through an incident report.

The following examples may not require an incident report:

A nurse discovers that a client's family member has administered a PCA dose. PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) is a method of pain management that allows the client to self-administer pain medication within predetermined limits. If a family member administers the PCA dose without proper authorization or understanding, it is a safety concern that should be reported.

A nurse observes a client vomiting after receiving an oral pain medication. While this situation should be assessed and managed appropriately, it does not necessarily warrant an incident report unless there are additional factors or complications involved.

A nurse observes another nurse remove wrist restraints one at a time from a client who is currently calm. This situation may raise concerns regarding proper restraint removal techniques or potential safety issues, but it does not inherently indicate an immediate need for an incident report. However, if the nurse's actions were contrary to policy or posed a risk to the client's safety, it should be reported.

a.Frequent bathing can actually worsen dry, itchy skin as it can strip away the natural oils that help moisturize the skin. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to limit bathing to shorter durations using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.

b.Powder may not provide significant relief for dry, itchy skin and can potentially irritate the skin further. It is best to focus on moisturizing and hydrating the skin to alleviate the symptoms.

c.While this might seem helpful, oils in the bath can create a slippery surface, posing a fall risk, especially for older adults. Additionally, oils might not provide sufficient hydration to the skin and could leave a residue that is not always beneficial.

d.Dry, itchy skin is a common concern among older adults, and it can be exacerbated by low humidity levels. Placing a humidifier in the client's room helps to increase the moisture content in the air, which can alleviate dryness and itchiness. The increased humidity can help prevent the skin from becoming overly dry and can provide relief from the symptoms.