What safety question should the nurse ask a parent applying an OTC antifungal to an infant?

What safety question should the nurse ask a parent applying an OTC antifungal to an infant?

• A. Are there any allergic reactions to the ointment?
• B. Are there any open wounds on the areas where you're putting the ointment?
• C. How often do you apply the ointment?
• D. What is the concentration of the antifungal used?

Answer: (B)

Asking whether there are any open wounds on the areas where the antifungal ointment is being applied is crucial because applying topical antifungal medication to broken skin can lead to increased absorption of the medication and potentially harmful side effects. It also elevates the risk of introducing the antifungal beyond the intended area and could exacerbate the infant's condition or cause systemic effects. Open wounds can harbor pathogens or complicate the treatment, making effective healing more challenging. This question ensures the nurse assesses the integrity of the skin and helps facilitate safe and appropriate treatment for the child. The other options, while important, do not specifically address the heightened considerations associated with the application of medication to compromised skin.

Asking whether there are any open wounds on the areas where the antifungal ointment is being applied is crucial because applying topical antifungal medication to broken skin can lead to increased absorption of the medication and potentially harmful side effects. It also elevates the risk of introducing the antifungal beyond the intended area and could exacerbate the infant's condition or cause systemic effects.

Open wounds can harbor pathogens or complicate the treatment, making effective healing more challenging. This question ensures the nurse assesses the integrity of the skin and helps facilitate safe and appropriate treatment for the child. The other options, while important, do not specifically address the heightened considerations associated with the application of medication to compromised skin.