A patient receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer develops dry desquamation. What nursing intervention can help?

Dry desquamation, which involves the shedding of the outer layer of skin and often accompanies radiation therapy, can be uncomfortable and may lead to further skin irritation or damage. One effective nursing intervention is to avoid constricting garments.

Wearing garments that are tight can exacerbate skin irritation and contribute to discomfort, as they may hinder ventilation and create friction against the sensitive areas affected by radiation. Loose-fitting clothing allows the skin to breathe and helps reduce the potential for further irritation. This is particularly important as the skin may already be compromised and sensitive due to the radiation treatment.

The other options generally promote practices that may not be beneficial. For instance, avoiding use of moisturizing creams would not address the dryness effectively, given that moisturizing can soothe and protect the skin. Avoiding heating pads is prudent since heat can exacerbate irritation, but this doesn't directly help with dry desquamation. Lastly, while exposing the skin to air is not inherently harmful, appropriate ventilation is often beneficial, particularly with the right clothing. Thus, avoiding constricting garments directly supports skin health and comfort for patients undergoing radiation therapy.