Which of the following should a nurse include in parent teaching to prevent diaper dermatitis?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Applying diaper cream only at bedtime does not provide adequate protection. Barrier creams (such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly) should be applied with each diaper change to protect the skin from prolonged contact with urine and stool. B. Keeping the diaper area moist promotes skin breakdown and increases the risk of fungal and bacterial overgrowth. The goal is to keep the area clean and dry. C. Changing the diaper every 2 to 3 hours (or sooner if soiled) helps minimize skin exposure to irritants, reducing the likelihood of diaper dermatitis. Frequent changes, along with gentle cleaning and use of barrier ointments, are the most effective preventive strategies. D. Using scented wipes can irritate the sensitive skin of infants. Unscented wipes or plain water with a soft cloth are preferred.