Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
The nurse has applied a topical agent to the client's skin, and then applies an ice pack to the area. This is done to:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Applying an ice pack can slow the absorption of the topical drug by causing vasoconstriction, allowing for prolonged local action. This is useful for medications intended to act locally rather than systemically. Decreasing discomfort, enhancing excretion, or maximizing distribution are not the primary purposes of applying an ice pack in this context.