Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with end-stage renal failure experiencing pruritus due to uremic frost?

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with end-stage renal failure experiencing pruritus due to uremic frost?

• A. Apply emollients to the skin
• B. Increase protein in the diet
• C. Cut fingernails short
• D. Provide mouth care prior to meals

Answer: (A)

When pruritus occurs with uremic frost in end-stage renal failure, the skin becomes dry and irritated. The most effective nursing action is to apply an emollient to the skin. Emollients seal in moisture, soften dry skin, and restore the skin barrier, which helps break the itch–scratch cycle and provides real relief from itching. For best effect, apply after bathing while the skin is still damp and use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic product to avoid irritation. Other options don’t address the underlying dry skin driving the itch: increasing protein in the diet won’t relieve pruritus and could worsen uremia; cutting fingernails short helps prevent scratching but doesn’t soothe the itch itself; mouth care before meals isn’t related to itching.

When pruritus occurs with uremic frost in end-stage renal failure, the skin becomes dry and irritated. The most effective nursing action is to apply an emollient to the skin. Emollients seal in moisture, soften dry skin, and restore the skin barrier, which helps break the itch–scratch cycle and provides real relief from itching. For best effect, apply after bathing while the skin is still damp and use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic product to avoid irritation.

Other options don’t address the underlying dry skin driving the itch: increasing protein in the diet won’t relieve pruritus and could worsen uremia; cutting fingernails short helps prevent scratching but doesn’t soothe the itch itself; mouth care before meals isn’t related to itching.