Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the guardian to apply permethrin 5% cream to all body areas, leave it on for 8-14 hours before washing it off, wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and follow specific healthcare provider instructions regarding reapplication.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse reinforcing teaching with the guardian of a child who has scabies and a new prescription for permethrin 5% cream should include the following information:
- Apply the cream to all areas of the skin, but it is generally not needed on the face or scalp of adults unless directed by a healthcare provider. For infants and young children, the cream should also be applied to their head and neck because scabies can affect their face, scalp, and neck, as well as the rest of their body.
- Leave the cream on the skin for 8-14 hours, then wash it off thoroughly.
- Reapplication generally is not necessary unless the healthcare provider advises it, which may be the case if the infection is still active seven or more days after the initial treatment.
- Wash all bedding and clothing that the child has been in contact with in hot water and dry them with high heat to kill any mites that may remain.
It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions for the application and reapplication of the medication. Proper use of permethrin cream is necessary for the successful treatment of scabies.