What should a nurse do to manage a patient's allergy to poison ivy?

Managing an allergy to poison ivy primarily focuses on alleviating the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction, which often includes itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin. Immediate cold application is beneficial as it directly addresses the discomfort caused by the rash. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling, relieve itching, and provide a soothing effect to the affected areas.

This approach is particularly effective in the initial stages after exposure and can help prevent the rash from becoming more severe. Cooling the skin can also provide immediate relief, which is important for patient comfort.

In contrast, while antihistamines can help manage itching and mild allergic reactions, they may not provide immediate relief from the acute symptoms associated with poison ivy. Assessing T-cell activity is not relevant to the management of a poison ivy allergy, as it pertains more to immune response evaluations rather than immediate symptom management. Encouraging hydration, although generally important in nursing care, does not specifically address the acute effects of an allergy to poison ivy and may not provide any direct benefit for managing symptoms.