6: Cheryl

Usma, a community children’s nurse, is due to visit a new patient this morning who has eczema.

Cheryl is 8 years old and has been referred to you from the GP to support her and her family in the management of her eczema. She has been admitted to hospital recently due to an exacerbation and referral suggests that family have a lack of understanding around her treatment.

  • What will Usma need to consider in ensuring she makes a holistic assessment of Cheryl and be able to plan her care?
  • What is important for Usma to do next?
  • What should Usma take into consideration when working with the family

› Suggested answers

  • What will Usma need to consider in ensuring she makes a holistic assessment of Cheryl and be able to plan her care?
    • Current knowledge, diet, bathing and current use of creams, things that exacerbate, clothing, food, for example:

Parental motivation, where she sleeps and how she sleeps, school, hobbies, siblings, pets

Making an achievable and realistic plan

A plan of care is made for Cheryl with some short- and some long-term goals

Correct use of creams by Cheryl and parents including using creams when at school

Daily bath

Regular use of emollients

Cotton clothing

Distraction techniques around itching

Regular change of bedding

Keep a food diary

  • What is important for Usma to do next?
    • Set timescale and actions for family and the teams
    • Document and record accurately. Make a date to visit and re-evaluate the plan
  • What should Usma take into consideration when working with the family?
    • Cultural issues and the possible use of alternative methods in this condition
    • Realistic expectations as eczema can take a long time to control.