The nurse is assessing a client with suspected scabies infestation. Which symptom is typically reported by the client?

Explanation: If one member of a household is diagnosed with scabies, all household members should be treated with scabicide medications to prevent the spread of the infestation.

Incorrect choices:

a. Isolate the infected individual in a separate room: While contact precautions are recommended for the infected individual, isolating them in a separate room is not necessary.

c. Wash all household linens in hot water: Washing linens in hot water is recommended to reduce the risk of mites surviving on infested items, but treatment with scabicide medications is the primary preventive measure.

d. Wear personal protective equipment around the infected individual: Contact precautions, including wearing gloves and gowns, are recommended for healthcare providers but not necessarily for household members. Treating all household members is the most effective preventive measure.

Explanation: Skin scraping involves applying mineral oil to the skin, followed by scraping off the superficial layer, and then examining the scraped material under a microscope to detect the presence of scabies mites or eggs.

Incorrect choices: a. Tzanck smear is used to examine cells from skin lesions and is not specific for scabies.

b. Patch testing is used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis and is not specific for scabies.

c. Wood's lamp examination is used to detect certain fungal or bacterial infections, but it is not the primary method for diagnosing scabies.