What should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce for a client suffering from pruritus?

Reinforcing the importance of keeping fingernails trimmed short for a client suffering from pruritus is crucial for several reasons. Pruritus, or itchy skin, can lead to scratching, which not only exacerbates the itch but also increases the risk of skin damage and possible infection. Keeping fingernails short minimizes the potential for injury to the skin if the client does scratch, helping to protect the integrity of their skin and promote healing.

While applying lotion to the skin can be beneficial for moisturizing and soothing irritated skin, doing so every hour may not be practical or necessary for all clients. Hot compresses can feel soothing but may worsen itching for some individuals, and antihistamines, while they can help relieve itching, may have other side effects and wouldn’t address the risk of skin damage from scratching directly. Therefore, maintaining short nails is a straightforward and effective method to help manage pruritus and prevent complications.