Final answer:
To alleviate pruritus, a nurse can administer antihistamines, apply topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, and provide cool compresses. These measures treat the symptoms but do not address the cause of the allergic reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
To relieve pruritus, a nurse can provide several measures:
Administer antihistamines: These medications reduce or eliminate the effects of histamines which produce allergy symptoms, thereby alleviating itching.
Apply topical corticosteroids: A cream like hydrocortisone can reduce inflammation and relieve minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes by suppressing the immune system's local production of histamine.
Encourage frequent hand washing: While this is a good general health practice, it is not directly related to the alleviation of pruritus.
Provide cool compresses: This can help to calm inflamed skin and provide a temporary relief from the sensation of itchiness.
While topical corticosteroids treat the symptoms such as inflammation and pruritus, they do not treat the underlying cause of the allergic reaction.