A client with eczema is applying 10% urea cream onto the affected skin areas. Which finding reflects the expected therapeutic response?

A. Hydration of affected dry skin areas: Urea cream is a keratolytic and humectant that works by softening and moisturizing the skin. Its expected therapeutic effect in eczema is increased hydration of dry, scaly areas, which helps restore the skin barrier and relieve discomfort. B. Reduced pain in eczematous areas: While improved hydration may indirectly lessen discomfort, pain relief is not the primary or expected therapeutic action of urea cream. Pain reduction typically results from decreased inflammation rather than moisturization. C. Healing with a return to normal skin appearance: Complete healing is not an immediate or direct effect of urea cream. It supports symptom control and skin hydration, but eczema often requires additional treatments such as corticosteroids for full resolution. D. Decreased weeping of ulcerations in affected areas: Urea cream is not intended for use on open, weeping, or ulcerated lesions. Its application is for dry, thickened skin, so decreased weeping is not expected.