What should a nurse encourage a client prescribed a topical antifungal ointment to do?

Washing and drying the affected area before applying a topical antifungal ointment is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment. By cleaning the area, the nurse helps remove any dirt, oils, or other substances that could hinder the absorption of the medication. Moisture from the skin can also create an environment where fungi thrive; therefore, drying the area well helps to minimize this risk and enhances the medication's ability to adhere to the skin.

This practice promotes better penetration of the antifungal agent into the affected skin, maximizes its therapeutic effects, and leads to improved outcomes in treating fungal infections. Establishing this routine is particularly important because topical treatments need direct contact with the skin to be effective.