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

This question directly assesses for intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). A decrease in walking distance before the onset of pain (claudication) over time indicates a progressive worsening of the arterial stenosis. This is a critical piece of information for staging the disease and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

Choice B rationale

The type of terrain (uphill, downhill, flat) can influence the workload on the leg muscles and therefore affect the onset of pain. However, this is a secondary factor. The most important clinical indicator for the progression of PAD is a change in the pain-free walking distance over time, regardless of the terrain.

Choice C rationale

Suggesting swimming instead of walking is a recommendation for a different exercise modality, but it does not provide diagnostic information about the client's current condition. The purpose of the initial assessment is to gather objective data on the progression of the disease, not to provide alternative lifestyle recommendations at this stage.

Choice D rationale

Asking about pain medication usage is important for pain management, but it does not provide specific information about the severity or progression of the peripheral artery disease itself. The primary symptom of PAD is pain upon exertion, and the key assessment is to determine the distance a person can walk before experiencing this pain, as well as if that distance is changing. .

Choice A rationale

While medication cost can be a barrier to adherence, it doesn't directly address the client's misconception about the disease itself. Focusing on this aspect may be premature and might not resolve the client's core belief that treatment is unnecessary without symptoms.

Choice B rationale

This statement provides accurate and crucial scientific information. Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it causes significant end-organ damage. Explaining this concept directly addresses the client's flawed reasoning about medication adherence.

Choice C rationale

This response is dismissive and inaccurate. Most people with hypertension do not experience severe morning headaches, and this statement might mislead the client into thinking their lack of symptoms is a sign of good health, thereby reinforcing their decision not to take medication.

Choice D rationale

This response uses scare tactics, which can be counterproductive. While kidney failure is a potential consequence of untreated hypertension, a more educational and less confrontational approach is generally more effective for promoting long-term adherence to a medical regimen.