Question

The nurse is assessing a client who reports urticaria on the chest and abdomen. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

"Have you recently started taking any new medications?"

"Do you have a family history of psoriasis?"

"How much water do you drink each day?"

"Has anyone in your home been sick?"

Answer 1

The most appropriate question to ask a client with urticaria would be about the recent use of new medications, as urticaria is often an allergic response, possibly to a medication, which can be resolved by discontinuing the offending substance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate question for the nurse to ask a client reporting urticaria on the chest and abdomen would be: "Have you recently started taking any new medications?" This is because urticaria, also known as hives, is frequently caused by an allergic reaction to medication. New medications can introduce foreign substances into the body that may prompt an immune response, leading to symptoms like itchy rashes. In clinical practice, a patient's history of allergies is of significant interest when assessing skin conditions. Allergens in medications, foods, or the environment can trigger allergic responses such as urticaria.

Drug-induced urticaria can often be resolved by identifying and discontinuing the offending medication, much as the case with Penny, who experienced allergic eczema due to a new sunscreen. The other questions regarding family history of psoriasis, water intake, or recent sickness at home are less directly related to the sudden appearance of urticaria.