A nurse is caring for a client who has pruritus following treatment for scabies.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationaleProviding mittens might prevent scratching and subsequent skin damage, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pruritus, which is likely residual irritation from the scabies treatment or the scabies mites themselves. While preventing secondary infection from scratching is important, alleviating the itch is the priority for client comfort.Choice B rationaleEncouraging the client to gently rub the affected area can actually worsen the pruritus. Rubbing can stimulate nerve endings in the skin, further intensifying the sensation of itching and potentially leading to skin irritation and excoriation. Gentle patting or cool compresses are generally more soothing for itchy skin.Choice C rationaleApplying additional scabicide after the initial treatment is usually not indicated for pruritus following scabies treatment, unless there is evidence of ongoing infestation. Pruritus can persist for several weeks after successful treatment due to the inflammatory response of the skin to the dead mites and their products. Overuse of scabicides can cause further skin irritation.Choice D rationaleAssisting the client to take a cool shower can help to relieve pruritus by causing vasoconstriction of the superficial blood vessels and reducing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in the skin. The cool temperature can also have a soothing effect on the nerve endings, temporarily alleviating the sensation of itching.