After 2 weeks of radiation therapy for cancer of the breast a client experiences some erythema over the area being irradiated. the area is sensitive but not painful. the client states that she has been using tepid water and a soft washcloth when cleansing the area and applying an ice pack three times a day. what does the nurse conclude from this information

The correct answer is that "further teaching on skin care is necessary". This patient is using tepid water to cleanse the area as well as applying ice three times a day. The nurse should educate the patient that the extremes of temperatures are not necessary and should be avoided such as warm to hot water as well as cold water or even ice. Cold water or ice will constrict blood vessels in the area and can produce tissue necrosis by ischemia. Warm to hot water can scald the skin (if hot enough) and even promote the redness as warm water dilates blood vessels.