Question

A patient who has severe refractory psoriasis on the face, neck, and extremities has quit working and withdrawn from social activities because of the appearance of the lesions. Which action should the nurse take first?

a.Discuss the possibility of enrolling in a worker-retraining program.
b.Encourage the patient to volunteer to work on community projects.
c.Suggest that the patient use cosmetics to cover the psoriatic lesions.
d.Ask the patient to describe the impact of psoriasis on quality of life.

Answer 1

The nurse's first action should be to have the patient describe how psoriasis affects their life. Understanding the patient's experience is crucial for providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical symptoms and the psychological and social effects of the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should first ask the patient to describe the impact of psoriasis on their quality of life. This initial action respects the patient's experience and feelings, allowing for a better understanding of the individual's physical, psychological, and social challenges brought on by psoriasis. By understanding the patient's perspective, appropriate support and treatment plans can be tailored to their specific needs, potentially including disease education, therapeutic interventions, and psychosocial support.

Psoriasis is characterized by rapid cell turnover and inflamed patches of skin, which can lead to substantial discomfort and impact on a person's lifestyle. Interventions may involve topical treatments, systemic medications, or light therapy, but addressing the emotional and social aspects of living with psoriasis is equally important.