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?
Cover the hair with Vaseline.
Apply a soda-vinegar solution to the hair.
Comb through the hair with a vinegar-water solution.
Shampoo the hair with dish detergent.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While occlusive agents like Vaseline can smother lice, this method is messy and generally not as effective as targeted pediculicides. It mainly suffocates the live lice but does not consistently eliminate the nits (eggs), which are tightly attached to the hair shaft and must be removed to prevent reinfestation.
Choice B rationale
A soda-vinegar solution has no proven efficacy in eradicating lice. The acetic acid in vinegar can help loosen the glue-like substance that attaches nits to the hair shaft, but it is not a standalone treatment. Baking soda does not have any scientific basis for being effective against pediculosis.
Choice C rationale
A vinegar-water solution, specifically the acetic acid in vinegar, helps to dissolve the proteinaceous cement substance that glues nits to the hair shaft. This makes the nits easier to remove with a fine-toothed nit comb, which is a crucial step in the eradication process to prevent the hatching of new lice.
Choice D rationale
Dish detergents are not formulated to be effective against lice and can be harsh on the scalp, causing irritation. They lack the specific neurotoxic agents or suffocation properties found in approved pediculicide shampoos that are designed to kill lice and their eggs. This method is ineffective and potentially harmful. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["4.4"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms: 72.6 lb ÷ 2.2 lb/kg = 33 kg.
Step 2 is to calculate the low-range total daily dosage in milligrams: 20 mg/kg × 33 kg = 660 mg/day.
Step 3 is to calculate the dosage per dose: 660 mg ÷ 3 doses = 220 mg per dose.
Step 4 is to calculate the volume per dose in mL: 220 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 4.4 mL. The final calculated dosage for this child is 4.4 mL.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying medication after a bath is correct because the skin is hydrated and warm, which enhances the absorption of the topical agent. The open pores and softened stratum corneum allow for better penetration of the medication, maximizing its therapeutic effect on the underlying skin condition.
Choice B rationale
Rubbing the ointment in a circular motion can cause mechanical irritation and friction to the compromised skin, which can worsen the rash. The correct technique is to gently smooth the medication over the affected area in a thin, even layer.
Choice C rationale
Increasing the amount of cream without a prescription can lead to systemic absorption and potential adverse effects, especially with corticosteroid creams. The dosage is carefully prescribed to balance therapeutic effects with minimal risk of side effects. Over-application can also cause skin thinning.
Choice D rationale
Using powder and cornstarch is not recommended for skin conditions, as these substances can trap moisture and debris, creating a medium for bacterial or fungal growth. This can exacerbate the underlying skin condition and increase the risk of secondary infections.
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