A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the guardian of a child about preventing the spread of pediculosis in their home. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend?

A. Suggest the family persuade the client to take the medication: While family support can encourage adherence, pressuring or coercing a client to take medication undermines the client’s autonomy and legal right to refuse treatment. Persuasion alone does not override informed refusal and is not an appropriate first action.

B. Recommend that the medication be delivered intramuscularly: Administering medication via injection without the client’s consent constitutes battery and violates ethical and legal standards. This intervention should only be considered under specific involuntary treatment protocols and court orders, not as a routine response to refusal.

C. Remind the newly licensed nurse that the client has a right to refuse medication: Clients with decision-making capacity have the right to accept or refuse treatment, including psychotropic medications. The charge nurse should reinforce this ethical and legal principle, ensuring that the newly licensed nurse understands the importance of respecting autonomy.

D. Suggest the newly licensed nurse contact the pharmacy to inquire about compatible foods: Attempting to hide medication in food without the client’s knowledge is considered covert administration and is ethically and legally inappropriate. Consultation about food compatibility does not address the fundamental issue of informed consent and client rights.

A. Secure nonwashable items in a plastic bag for 7 days: While isolating nonwashable items can help reduce the risk of lice transmission, lice typically survive only 1–2 days off the scalp. Seven days is longer than necessary, making this measure less practical and not the primary recommendation for controlling pediculosis in the home.

B. Soak combs and brushes in a peroxide and water solution for 2 hr: Lice and nits can be effectively removed from combs and brushes using hot water rather than chemical solutions. Prolonged soaking in peroxide is unnecessary and may damage items without significantly improving decontamination.

C. Machine wash bed sheets in water greater than 54.4° C (130° F): Washing linens, clothing, and towels in hot water effectively kills lice and nits, preventing reinfestation. Heat is the most reliable method for decontaminating items that have been in contact with an infested individual, making this the recommended action.

D. Dry washed clothing and towels in a hot dryer for 10 min: While using a dryer can help, the duration and temperature must be sufficient to kill lice and nits. Ten minutes may be inadequate for thick items, and washing in hot water remains the primary and most effective preventive measure.