Question

The nurse evaluates the client's understanding of the procedure for application of triamcinolone (Kenalog, Aristocort) cream for acute contact dermatitis of the neck, secondary to a reaction to perfume . The client asks why she can't just use up some fluocinonide (Lidex) cream she has left over from a poison ivy dermatitis last month. The nurse's response will be based on which of the following?

1. High-potency corticosteroid creams should be
avoided in the neck or face because of the possibility of
additional adverse effects.
2. All creams should be discarded after the initial
condition has resolved.
3. Fluocinonide cream is too low potency to use for contact dermatitis.
4. Contact dermatitis from perfume is harder to treat than poison ivy dermatitis.

Answer 1

The nurse cannot recommend using fluocinonide cream for contact dermatitis on the neck caused by a reaction to perfume due to the risk of additional adverse effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's response will be based on the fact that high-potency corticosteroid creams should be avoided on the neck or face due to the possibility of additional adverse effects. This is because the skin on the neck and face is thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to the side effects of potent corticosteroids. Therefore, it is not recommended to use fluocinonide cream, which is a high-potency corticosteroid, for the contact dermatitis on the neck caused by a reaction to perfume.