What action should a nurse take for a client with a recent bee sting presenting with localized symptoms?

Applying cold compresses to the affected area is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when managing a client with a recent bee sting and localized symptoms. Cold compresses serve to reduce swelling and alleviate pain by constricting blood vessels, which can help minimize the inflammatory response that follows a bee sting. This intervention is particularly effective in managing local reactions such as redness, swelling, and tenderness, which are common after an insect sting.

While ensuring the skin is clean and dry, monitoring for more severe systemic symptoms, or taking drastic measures like laundering with bleach may be considerations for other scenarios, they do not directly address the immediate discomfort and localized response following a bee sting. Applying cold compresses is a specific and practical first aid response that targets the primary symptoms experienced by the client.