A patient undergoing external radiation has developed a dry desquamation of the skin in the treatment area. The nurse teaches the patient about management of the skin reaction.

Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates the teaching was effective?

a) "I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on the area."

b) "I will expose the treatment area to a sun lamp daily."

c) "I can use ice packs to relieve itching in the treatment area."

d) "I will scrub the area with warm water to remove the scales."

The statement made by the patient which indicates that the teaching was effective is "I can buy some aloe-vera gel to use on the area".

a) "I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on the area."

Explanation:

Here the patient's skin has developed a dry desquamation due to the exposure to external radiation. Among the given options the application of aloe vera gel on the affected area is the only right solution to the problem. Daily exposure of the treatment area to a sun lamp can only make things worse.

Scrubbing the area with warm water and using ice packs to relieve itching are also not good ideas.