The physician has ordered a \(1 \%\) hydrocortisone topical preparation for an infant with diaper dermatitis. Which instruction should be given to the mother? A. Apply the medication in a thick layer B. Remove old applications with cold water C. Apply the medication only at bedtime D. Use cloth, instead of disposable, diapers

We know that a physician has prescribed a 1% hydrocortisone topical preparation for an infant with diaper dermatitis.

We have four possible instructions to evaluate: A. Apply the medication in a thick layer B. Remove old applications with cold water C. Apply the medication only at bedtime D. Use cloth, instead of disposable, diapers

A. Applying the medication in a thick layer is incorrect because hydrocortisone should be applied in a thin layer. Overapplication can cause skin irritation and other side effects. B. Removing old applications with cold water is incorrect. To properly clean and prepare the area, it's essential to clean the affected area with lukewarm water and mild soap if needed, and then gently pat the area dry before applying the hydrocortisone cream. C. Applying the medication only at bedtime is incorrect because diaper dermatitis requires treatment throughout the day, with hydrocortisone applied 2-4 times daily, or as directed by the physician. D. Using cloth, instead of disposable diapers, is the correct answer. Cloth diapers can be more gentle on the skin, allowing better airflow and reducing the likelihood of irritation. Additionally, switching to cloth diapers can help create a more comfortable environment for the skin to heal, as they are less likely to contain irritating chemicals or synthetic materials found in many disposable diapers.

Based on the evaluation of each option, the correct instruction for the mother is to use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers (Option D). This choice will help to create a more comfortable and gentle environment for the infant's skin to heal from diaper dermatitis.