Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What statement indicates an adolescent's understanding of managing tinea pedis?

1. I should buy plastic shoes to wear at the swimming pool.

2. I should wear sandals as much as possible.

3. I should place the permethrin cream between my toes twice daily.

4. I should seal my nonwashable shoes in plastic bags for a couple of weeks.

The correct answer is: I should wear sandals as much as possible.

Wearing sandals as much as possible helps manage tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, because it promotes airflow and reduces moisture buildup between the toes. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments, so choosing sandals over closed shoes decreases the likelihood of moisture retention, thereby helping to alleviate the condition. In the context of the other choices, while plastic shoes for the swimming pool may seem helpful in preventing further fungal exposure, they can also trap moisture and heat. Using permethrin cream, commonly used for scabies rather than tinea pedis, is not the appropriate treatment for this fungal infection. Sealing nonwashable shoes in plastic bags for a couple of weeks may seem like it could help eliminate the fungus, but it does not address the immediate need for treatment or increase airflow around the feet, which is essential for healing. Thus, wearing sandals is a proactive step in managing tinea pedis effectively.