A preschool-age boy in a daycare facility scratches his head frequently, and the nurse confirms the presence of head lice. The nurse washes the child's hair with permethrin shampoo and calls his parents. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the parents about treatment for head lice?
Take the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and a shorter haircut.
Rewash the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period.
Wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water.
Dispose of the child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Taking the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and a shorter haircut is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because a hair salon may not accept a child with head lice, as they can spread to other customers and staff. A shorter haircut may also not help to get rid of the lice or their eggs, which can attach to any length of hair.
Choice B reason: Rewashing the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because a 24-hour isolation period is not necessary or effective for treating head lice. Head lice do not survive long without a human host, and they do not spread through the air or by jumping. Rewashing the child's hair may also wash off the permethrin shampoo, which needs to stay on the hair for 10 minutes to kill the lice and their eggs.
Choice C reason: Washing the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water is a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because head lice and their eggs can be transferred to the child's bedding and clothing through direct contact. Washing these items in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and drying them on high heat can kill any remaining lice or eggs. Alternatively, the items can be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to suffocate the lice.
Choice D reason: Disposing of the child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because it is not necessary to throw away these items, as they can be treated and reused. The nurse should advise the parents to soak the items in hot water (at least 130
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reassessing axillary temperature if it is higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Axillary temperature is not the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, especially in children. It can be affected by factors such as clothing, sweating, and room temperature. Axillary temperature is usually lower than the core body temperature by about 1° F (0.6° C). Therefore, a child with an axillary temperature higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) may already have a significant fever and should be evaluated by a health care provider.
Choice B reason: Verifying if the child has a fever by checking a rectal temperature is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Rectal temperature is the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, but it is also the most invasive and uncomfortable. It can cause irritation, bleeding, or injury to the rectum, especially in children with low platelet counts or bleeding disorders. Rectal temperature is also not recommended for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as it can increase the risk of introducing bacteria or fungi into the bloodstream.
Choice C reason: Notifying for a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) is a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Temporal temperature is a noninvasive and convenient method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared scanner that detects the heat emitted by the temporal artery on the forehead. Temporal temperature is comparable to the core body temperature and can reflect changes in body temperature quickly. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) may have an infection and should be reported to the health care provider immediately.
Choice D reason: Checking temperature twice a day with an aural thermometer is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Aural temperature is a noninvasive and easy method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared sensor that detects the heat emitted by the tympanic membrane in the ear. However, aural temperature can be inaccurate or unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as earwax, ear infections, ear canal shape, and ambient noise. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a fever may not be detected by an aural thermometer, and may miss the opportunity for early intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the parents to rest when possible is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important for the parents to take care of themselves, the priority is to address the child's needs and comfort.
Choice B reason: Making a list of foods that the child likes is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important to maintain the child's nutrition and hydration, the child may not have an appetite due to the fever and inflammation caused by Kawasaki disease.
Choice C reason: Placing the child in a quiet environment is the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. This is because Kawasaki disease causes irritability and sensitivity to light and sound in the child. A quiet environment can help reduce the child's stress and discomfort.
Choice D reason: Applying lotion to hands and feet is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important to moisturize the skin and prevent cracking and infection, the lotion may not relieve the child's pain and inflammation.
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