The mother of a 7-month-old brings the infant to the clinic because the skin in the diaper area is excoriated and red, but there are no blisters or bleeding. The mother reports no evidence of watery stools. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

The excoriated and red skin in the diaper area suggests the presence of diaper dermatitis, which is commonly caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and irritants such as urine and feces. Changing the diaper more frequently helps to minimize the exposure to these irritants and promotes better skin hygiene. Asking the mother to decrease the infant's intake of fruits for 24 hours is not necessary unless there is evidence of diarrhea or specific dietary concerns. Fruits are generally a healthy part of an infant's diet and do not directly cause diaper dermatitis. Encouraging the mother to apply lotion with each diaper change may not be recommended in this case, as lotions and creams can further trap moisture and exacerbate the condition. It is best to keep the area clean and dry. Telling the mother to cleanse with soap and water at each diaper change may be too harsh for the infant's sensitive skin. Plain water or mild, fragrance-free wipes are typically sufficient for cleaning the diaper area. Soap can be drying and irritating to the skin, so it is generally not necessary unless there is a specific indication.