Opportunity to improve health associated with request to learn how to protect skin from sun damager
Teach the client that regular exercise improves circulation and oxygenation of skin.
Encourage protective clothing and boots when walking in wooded areas.
Always use sunscreen (solar protection factor [SPF] 15 or higher) when sun exposure is anticipated.
Understand the link between sun exposure and skin cancer and the accumulating effects of sun exposure on developing cancers.
Carry out routine skin self-assessment (Box 10-4) and seek professional advice as soon as possible if anything unusual is detected.
Poor care of skin, nail, and hair integrity associated with poor skin, hair, and nails hygiene, and/or excessive piercing/tattooing performed with "homemade" materials, or prolonged use of nail polish or artificial nails
Assess hair, nail, and skin care, and instruct the client on appropriate hygiene measures as necessary (e.g., use mild soap, lotion for dry skin; wash oily areas with warm soap and water three times a day).
Teach dangers of hepatitis B and HIV when using contaminated needles.
Caution the client about potential nail damage caused by nail polish and artificial nails.
Risk for skin damage associated with excessive, prolonged sun tanning and work in the sun
Caution the client against prolonged sun exposure or tanning lamp, and instruct that proper use of sunscreen agents can decrease the risk of skin pathologies. Teach the client to report a change in the size or appearance of a mole, nodule, pigmented area, new growth on the skin; to limit or avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 pm, when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest; to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15; to wear protective clothing and hats, or as recommended, Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap© (American Cancer Society, 2019). Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, wrap on sunglasses to protect eyes and sensitive skin around them.
Risk for skin rash associated with lack of parental knowledge of diaper skin care for infant or child
Inform parents of products available for treatment of rash and importance of frequent diaper changes and cleansing of skin with mild soap (e.g., Ivory or Dove). Teach parents to keep skin cool and dry, avoid restricting clothing, and allow air drying for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Poor skin integrity associated with improper care of acne lesions
Teach adolescents proper skin cleansing, using mild soaps such as Cetaphil soap on face, good hand washing, and avoid picking lesions. Stress the importance of adequate rest, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet. Encourage hydration and avoiding foods, soaps, and creams that irritate skin.
Risk for poor skin integrity associated with prolonged immobility, decreased production of natural oils, and thinning skin in older adults
Teach the client and family the benefits of turning of client, range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, massage, and cleaning of skin for reducing the risk of skin breakdown. Teach the family and client how to observe for reddened pressure areas. Encourage the use of lotions to replace skin oils. Massage skin with lotions. Instruct the client to decrease the frequency of baths and use a humidifier during the cold seasons. Explain the effects of proper nutrition and adequate fluids on skin integrity.
Risk for foot infection associated with lack of knowledge of how to select proper-fitting shoes to avoid toe pressure and how to care for thickened, dried toenails due to decreased peripheral circulation
Instruct the client to soak nails 15 minutes in warm water before cutting. Use good scissors and lighting. Explain importance of proper-fitting, breathable, supportive shoes. Refer to podiatrist as necessary. Ascertain whether shoes fit correctly.