The home health nurse discovers a family infected with pediculosis.
What information can the nurse provide to the mother to start eradication of the lice?

Choice A rationale

Bathing a child with infantile eczema using products containing fragrance can be irritating to the already compromised skin barrier. Fragrances are common allergens and can trigger or worsen the inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis. It is essential to use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation and prevent exacerbations.

Choice B rationale

Using oatmeal and baking soda as bath additives can be soothing for the irritated skin of a child with infantile eczema. Colloidal oatmeal contains avenanthramides which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while baking soda can help to relieve itching. These additives can help to calm the skin and reduce the urge to scratch.

Choice C rationale

Adding bath oil to bath water after the child has soaked for a period of time is a beneficial practice. Soaking in water allows the skin to rehydrate. Adding the oil at the end of the bath helps to seal in the moisture, forming a protective barrier and preventing transepidermal water loss, which is a key issue in eczema.

Choice D rationale

Lanolin is a fatty substance derived from sheep wool. While it can be a good moisturizer, it is also a common allergen. Applying lanolin-based lotions to a child with eczema can potentially trigger an allergic reaction or worsen the skin condition. It is safer to use hypoallergenic, non-irritating moisturizers.

Choice E rationale

Bathing a child several times a day can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can worsen the dryness and irritation associated with infantile eczema. The skin barrier is already compromised, and frequent bathing can exacerbate this problem. It is generally recommended to limit bathing to once a day or less to maintain skin integrity. .

Choice A rationale

The nurse must first determine the nature of the client's weight loss. Unintentional weight loss can be a sign of underlying pathology, such as malignancy, endocrine disorders, or psychological conditions. Intentional weight loss, however, could indicate a positive lifestyle change. The nurse's initial action is to differentiate between these two possibilities to guide further assessment and intervention.

Choice B rationale

While a high-protein, high-fiber diet is generally healthy and can aid in weight management, encouraging it prematurely without understanding the cause of the weight loss is not the best initial action. The client may already be on a restrictive or specific diet, and the nurse needs to assess their current nutritional status and dietary habits before making recommendations.

Choice C rationale

Measuring for new compression stockings may be necessary eventually if the client's leg measurements have changed significantly due to weight loss. However, this is a procedural task and not the most crucial initial assessment. The priority is to understand the cause of the weight loss, as this has broader implications for the client's health status and care plan.

Choice D rationale

A 3-day food recall diary is a useful tool for assessing dietary intake, but it is a secondary action. The most important initial step is to determine if the weight loss was intentional or not. This information will dictate whether a dietary assessment is the most appropriate next step or if a more comprehensive medical workup is needed.