What finding should the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with tinea pedis?

A client diagnosed with tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, typically presents with scaling and redness, particularly between the toes. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making the spaces between the toes a common site of infection. The scaling may appear as flaky or peeling skin, and redness indicates irritation and inflammation caused by the fungal activity.

This condition is often associated with itching or a burning sensation, contributing to the discomfort experienced by the patient. The other findings listed, such as red and swollen ankles, blisters on the feet, or yellow crusted lesions, are not characteristic of tinea pedis. Red and swollen ankles could suggest a different type of condition, such as inflammation or infection unrelated to a fungal source. Blisters on the feet might indicate a different dermatological issue like an allergic reaction or friction blister, while yellow crusted lesions typically point to bacterial infections such as impetigo rather than a fungal infection. Therefore, the presence of scaling and redness between the toes is a hallmark sign of tinea pedis.