Question

Through interviewing a patient who has a history of contact dermatitis, the nurse obtains this information about over-the-counter (OTC) medication use. Which finding indicates a need for patient teaching?

a.The patient applies corticosteroid cream to any pruritic areas.
b.The patient uses Neosporin ointment on minor cuts or abrasions.
c.The patient adds oilated oatmeal (Aveeno) to the bath water every day.
d.The patient takes diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at night if itching occurs.

Answer 1

The use of Neosporin ointment on minor cuts or abrasions by a patient with a history of contact dermatitis indicates a need for patient education because it can lead to sensitization and an allergic reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that indicates a need for patient teaching is b. The patient uses Neosporin ointment on minor cuts or abrasions. This is because Neosporin contains antibiotics which the patient may become sensitized to and develop an allergic reaction, contributing to contact dermatitis. It is important to educate the patient on the potential risks of developing sensitivities to the components of topical antibiotic ointments like Neosporin, especially in individuals with a history of contact dermatitis.

The use of corticosteroid creams like hydrocortisone is advised for temporarily relieving minor skin irritations and itching related to contact dermatitis by reducing inflammation. Adding oilated oatmeal such as Aveeno to bath water is a common practice to soothe and moisturize skin, and taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at night can assist with itching that disturbs sleep. However, these measures address symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the eczema or contact dermatitis, which requires identification and avoidance of the allergen or irritant causing the reaction.