The nurse is caring for a child with scabies. Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent the spread of scabies to family members?

Explanation: Washing the child's clothes and bedding in hot water and drying on high heat can effectively kill the scabies mites and prevent transmission to family members.

Incorrect choices: a. Isolating the child in a separate room is not necessary for managing scabies, and it may lead to emotional distress for the child.

c. Applying a topical antifungal cream is not effective for treating scabies, as it is caused by mites, not fungi.

d. Placing the child in contact isolation is not necessary for managing scabies, as it is not highly contagious and can be managed with appropriate hygiene practices.

Explanation: Scabies is primarily transmitted through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. The mites do not jump or fly through the air to infect others.

Incorrect choices: a. "Scabies can be transmitted through close personal contact with an infected individual." - This statement is correct. Close personal contact, such as hugging or sexual contact, is a common mode of transmission for scabies.

b. "I can contract scabies by using shared clothing or bedding with someone who has it." - This statement is correct. Scabies mites can survive outside the body for a short time and may be transmitted through shared clothing, bedding, or towels.

d. "I should avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies to prevent transmission." - This statement is correct. Avoiding skin-to-skin contact can help prevent the spread of scabies to others.