An older adult male client with schizophrenia is found smearing feces on the bathroom walls of the chronic mental health unit where he resides. Which action should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Influenza immunization is unlikely to cause eczema flare-ups, as it targets systemic immunity, not skin allergens. A new dog’s dander is a common trigger, making pet exposure more relevant, per dermatological assessment and eczema management protocols in nursing care.

Choice B reason: Corticosteroid cream treats eczema, reducing flare-ups, not causing them. A new dog’s dander is a likely allergen triggering symptoms. Cream use is therapeutic, per dermatological treatment and eczema exacerbation assessment standards in nursing practice during home visits.

Choice C reason: A grandson’s new pet dog introduces allergens like dander, a common eczema trigger, explaining the recent flare-up. Identifying environmental exposures is critical for pinpointing causes, guiding avoidance strategies, per eczema management and dermatological assessment protocols in nursing care.

Choice D reason: A friend with eczema is unlikely to trigger flare-ups, as eczema is not contagious. A new dog’s dander is a more probable allergen. Social contact is less relevant, per dermatological assessment and eczema trigger identification standards in nursing practice.

Choice A reason: Imbalanced nutrition is unrelated to 150 mL residual urine, which indicates incomplete bladder emptying, often from detrusor dysfunction or obstruction. Nutrition affects overall health but does not cause retention. Residual urine increases infection risk due to stasis, making nutrition an irrelevant nursing problem for this urinary issue.

Choice B reason: Deficient fluid volume suggests dehydration, reducing urine output, not causing high residual volumes. Residual urine (150 mL) indicates retention from impaired bladder emptying, not fluid deficit. Hydration prevents stasis, but infection risk from retained urine is more immediate, as bacteria proliferate in stagnant urine.

Choice C reason: Residual urine of 150 mL signifies incomplete bladder emptying, often from obstruction or neurogenic bladder, leading to urinary stasis. This fosters bacterial growth, increasing urinary tract infection (UTI) risk. Including “risk for infection” addresses this pathophysiological concern, guiding interventions like catheterization to reduce infection likelihood.

Choice D reason: Urinary incontinence involves involuntary leakage, not retention, where the bladder fails to empty, as seen with 150 mL residual urine. Retention results from outflow obstruction or weak detrusor, distinct from incontinence’s loss of control, making this nursing problem inappropriate for the client’s condition.