A nurse is checking a school-age child for pediculosis capitis. Which of the following findings is a definitive indication of this condition?

A. Reports of exposure to a skin irritant:

This finding is consistent with contact dermatitis, as it typically occurs due to exposure to irritants or allergens. Therefore, it is an expected finding.

B. Elevated temperature:

Elevated temperature is not typically associated with contact dermatitis unless there is a secondary infection. It is not a typical finding in uncomplicated contact dermatitis.

C. Denial of pruritus:

Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom of contact dermatitis. Clients with contact dermatitis often experience itching or discomfort in the affected area. Therefore, denial of pruritus would be an unexpected finding.

D. Reports of joint discomfort:

Joint discomfort is not typically associated with contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis primarily affects the skin and does not usually involve the joints. Therefore, reports of joint discomfort would be an unexpected finding.

A. Firmly attached white particles on the hair:

Firmly attached white particles on the hair are characteristic of nits, which are the eggs of lice. While this finding supports the diagnosis of pediculosis capitis, it is not a definitive indication on its own.

B. Itching and scratching of the head:

Itching and scratching of the head are common symptoms of pediculosis capitis. However, they are also common symptoms of various other scalp conditions, so they are not definitive indications.

C. Thick, yellow-crusted lesions on a red base:

This description is more characteristic of impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, rather than pediculosis capitis. Impetigo typically presents with yellow-crusted lesions on a red base, but it does not involve lice infestation.

D. Patchy areas of hair loss:

Patchy areas of hair loss are not typically associated with pediculosis capitis. This finding is more suggestive of conditions like alopecia areata or fungal infections.