Question

A nurse is teaching the parent of a school-age child who has pediculosis capitis about treating this parasitic infestation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A: Wash bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water in a washing machine.
B: Rinse the child's hair with vinegar three times a day.
C: Seal items that are not machine washable in plastic bags for 1 week.
D: Boil the child's combs, brushes, and hair clips for 5 min.

Answer 1

For treating pediculosis capitis, a nurse should advise parents to wash all bedding and clothing in hot water, seal non-washable items in plastic bags for a week, and boil personal care items like combs for 5 minutes. Medicinal treatment and fine-toothed combing are also recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating a school-age child with pediculosis capitis, also known as head lice, a nurse should include important instructions for the parents to effectively manage and get rid of the infestation. Some key guidance would be:

• Washing bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water in a washing machine to kill the lice.
• Sealing items that are not machine washable in plastic bags for at least 1 week to ensure that any lice or nits (lice eggs) on these items will die off due to lack of a host.
• Boiling personal care items like combs, brushes, and hair clips that have come into contact with the hair, for 5 minutes is effective in killing lice as well.

In addition, using medicated lice treatment as directed and combing out the hair with a fine-toothed comb after treatment can also help ensure all lice and nits are removed.