Question

A client reports severe itching, especially at night. On assessment, the nurse finds the presence of burrows in the flexor surfaces of the wrists and in the anterior axillary folds. Which treatment is most appropriate for this client?

A) Topical corticosteroids
B) Antihistamines
C) Antibiotics
D) Topical scabicide lotion

Answer 1

The most appropriate treatment for scabies, which is suggested by symptoms of severe itching at night and burrows on the skin, is Topical scabicide lotion. Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics are not suitable treatments as they do not tackle the root cause of the infestation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate treatment for a client with severe itching, especially at night, and the presence of burrows in the flexor surfaces of the wrists and in the anterior axillary folds is Topical scabicide lotion (Option D). This condition is indicative of scabies, a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The treatment involves the application of a scabicide lotion or cream to all areas of the body from the neck down and leaving it on for a prescribed amount of time before washing it off.

Topical corticosteroids (Option A) are used to relieve itching and inflammation but do not treat the cause of scabies. Antihistamines (Option B) may help reduce itching but, again, do not address the underlying infestation. Finally, antibiotics (Option C) are used to treat bacterial infections, not parasitic infestations such as scabies.