A school nurse is completing routine health evaluations for school-age children. Which of the following manifestation should alert the nurse to the possibility of pediculosis capitis?
Patches of baldness
Blisters on the scalp
Dry patches on the scalp
Reports of scalp itchiness
The Correct Answer is D
A. Patches of baldness: Patches of baldness on the scalp could be indicative of conditions like alopecia areata, a disorder characterized by hair loss in patches. However, it is not a typical manifestation of pediculosis capitis, which primarily presents with scalp itchiness due to lice bites rather than hair loss.
B. Blisters on the scalp: Blisters on the scalp may suggest other conditions such as herpes simplex infection or contact dermatitis. While scratching from head lice infestation could lead to skin irritation, blisters are not a common presentation of pediculosis capitis.
C. Dry patches on the scalp: Dry patches on the scalp might be caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. While scalp dryness can occur with pediculosis capitis due to irritation from scratching, it is not a specific symptom associated with head lice infestation.
D. Reports of scalp itchiness: Scalp itchiness is a hallmark symptom of pediculosis capitis. It occurs as a result of lice bites and the body's inflammatory response to their saliva. It is the most characteristic and common manifestation of head lice infestation and often prompts further examination for the presence of lice or their eggs (nits).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Maculopapular lesions between fingers and toes:
This finding is not typically associated with atopic dermatitis. Maculopapular lesions between the fingers and toes are more commonly seen in conditions like scabies or fungal infections.
B. Inflamed area with white exudate:
This finding is also not characteristic of atopic dermatitis. An inflamed area with white exudate may indicate a bacterial infection rather than atopic dermatitis.
C. Nonpruritic erythematous papule:
Atopic dermatitis often presents with erythematous (red) papules (small raised bumps) that are pruritic (itchy). However, the presence of nonpruritic lesions is less typical of atopic dermatitis.
D. Rash with thick skin:
This finding is consistent with atopic dermatitis. Chronic scratching and rubbing of the affected areas can lead to thickening of the skin (lichenification) in individuals with atopic dermatitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ridged abdomen - This finding is not typically associated with Hirschsprung disease. Instead, the abdomen may appear distended or bloated due to the accumulation of stool in the colon.
B. Ribbonlike, foul-smelling stools - This is a characteristic finding in Hirschsprung disease. Because the affected portion of the colon lacks nerve cells (ganglion cells) responsible for peristalsis, stool movement is impaired, leading to the passage of narrow, ribbonlike stools. These stools may also have a foul odor due to bacterial overgrowth in the affected area.
C. Projectile vomiting - Projectile vomiting is not a common finding in Hirschsprung disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastroesophageal reflux.
D. Chronic hunger - Chronic hunger is not a typical finding in Hirschsprung disease. Instead, affected infants may experience feeding difficulties, constipation, and failure to thrive due to the obstruction of stool in the colon. They may also exhibit symptoms such as abdominal distention, vomiting, and refusal to feed.
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