After assessing the health care needs of an elementary school, the nurse determines that an increased prevalence of pediculosis capitis is a priority problem. The nurse develops a 2-month program with the goal to eradicate the condition in the school. The program includes educational pamphlets sent home to parents and regular assessment of children by the school nurse. Which action should the nurse implement to evaluate the effectiveness of the program?

A) Obtain a restraining order against the father:
Obtaining a restraining order is a legal action that can be taken to protect the child but is not typically within the scope of the nurse’s immediate responsibilities. This action would involve law enforcement and the legal system rather than being an immediate next step in the healthcare setting. The nurse's role is to report the suspected abuse and ensure that appropriate protective services are involved.

B) Encourage the mother to file a police report:
Encouraging the mother to file a police report is a potential step in addressing the situation, but it should not be the nurse's immediate next action. The nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the appropriate child protective services are notified and involved, as they are equipped to handle investigations and interventions in cases of suspected child abuse.

C) Ask the child if his father ever spanks him:
Asking the child about specific forms of discipline, such as spanking, could potentially place the child in a difficult or unsafe position, especially if abuse is suspected. It is not the nurse's role to investigate or interrogate the child directly. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that the proper authorities are notified to handle the investigation.

D) Refer the family to protective service agencies:
Referring the family to protective service agencies is the most appropriate next step. These agencies are specialized in handling cases of suspected abuse and can provide the necessary intervention and support for the child’s safety and well-being. The nurse's role includes reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities and ensuring that protective services are contacted to investigate and address the situation.

A. Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is generally a concern for older adults rather than preschool-aged children. Screening for glaucoma typically starts later in life when the risk for this condition increases.

B. Red light reflex:
The red light reflex test is used primarily in infants and very young children to screen for conditions such as cataracts and retinoblastoma. While important, it is not usually the primary focus of annual screenings in preschool settings, which typically emphasize visual acuity.

C. Visual acuity:
Visual acuity screening is crucial for preschool-aged children to identify any issues with vision that could affect their development and learning. It helps detect problems like amblyopia (lazy eye) or refractive errors that need early intervention.

D. Conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common condition but is not typically part of routine annual eye health screenings. It is more relevant to address conjunctivitis as it arises rather than as part of an annual screening program.