Final answer:
After applying EMLA cream, the area should be covered with an airtight dressing to enhance the cream's absorption and effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Right after EMLA cream is applied, the correct action is a) Cover with an airtight dressing. EMLA cream is a topical anesthetic that numbs the skin before procedures such as needle insertions or minor surgeries. To ensure that the cream penetrates the skin and provides the desired numbing effect, it's important to cover the area with an occlusive dressing (airtight), which often comes with the EMLA cream package. This covering prevents the cream from wiping off and enhances the absorption of the active ingredients into the skin. Leaving the area exposed to air, washing it with soap and water, or applying heat to the site are not recommended actions following the application of EMLA cream.