The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with eczema. The child's skin is dry and scaly, and the mother reports that the child frequently scratches the lesions on the skin to the point of causing bleeding. Which guideline is indicated for care of this child?

Keeping the child's nails trimmed short helps minimize the risk of further skin damage and infection resulting from scratching. It reduces the likelihood of breaking the skin and causing bleeding. This preventive measure can help protect the child's skin and promote healing. It is important to combine nail trimming with other appropriate interventions for managing eczema, such as moisturizing the skin, avoiding irritants, and following the healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment.