The home health nurse visits a client with hand osteoarthritis whose health care provider has recommended topical capsaicin for pain relief. Which instruction about capsaicin should the nurse provide the client?

Question

The home health nurse visits a client with hand osteoarthritis whose health care provider has recommended topical capsaicin for pain relief.  Which instruction about capsaicin should the nurse provide the client?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Topical capsaicin cream (Zostrix) is an over-the-counter analgesic that effectively relieves minor pain (eg, osteoarthritis, neuralgia). The nurse should instruct the client to wait at least 30 minutes after massaging the cream into the hands before washing to ensure adequate absorption (Option B). The client should avoid contact with mucous membranes (eg, nose, mouth, eyes) or skin that is not intact, as capsaicin is a component of hot peppers and can cause burning. When applying cream to other areas of the body (eg, knee), the client should wear gloves or wash hands immediately after application. (Option A) The application of heat with capsaicin is contraindicated as heat causes vasodilation, which increases medication absorption and can possibly lead to a chemical burn. (Option C) Local irritation (burning, stinging, erythema) is quite common and usually subsides within the first week of regular use. If the client experiences persistent pain, redness, or blistering, the cream should be discontinued and the health care provider notified. (Option D) Topical capsaicin is often used concurrently with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, naproxen, celecoxib) to effectively treat osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin should be used regularly (3-4 times daily) for long periods (eg, weeks to months) to achieve the desired effect. Educational objective: The topical analgesic capsaicin relieves minor peripheral pain (eg, osteoarthritis, neuralgia) with regular use. Local irritation (burning, stinging, erythema) is quite common. The client should wait at least 30 minutes before washing the affected area to ensure adequate absorption.

The Home Health Nurse Visits a Client with Hand Osteoarthritis