A daycare center has an outbreak of pediculosis capitis in its infant (children under 2 years) room. The public health nurse is providing education about the treatment of infants with pediculosis capitis. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Parents could treat all of the pets in the household: Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is specific to humans and is not transmitted by pets. Treating household animals is unnecessary and does not prevent or control infestations. Misguided treatment of pets may expose them to harmful chemicals without benefiting the child. B. The use of an over-the-counter medicated shampoo is safe for infants: Most over-the-counter pediculicide shampoos, including permethrin 1%, are not recommended for children under 2 years due to the risk of toxicity and skin sensitivity. Using these products in infants can result in adverse reactions, making alternative, non-chemical treatments safer. C. Parents should apply petroleum jelly to the scalp and hair at night: Applying petroleum jelly to an infant’s scalp can help suffocate lice and make combing out nits easier. This method is safe for infants under 2 years and is considered an effective non-chemical approach when standard medicated treatments are contraindicated. D. The daycare center must discard all stuffed animals: While lice can survive briefly on inanimate objects, it is unnecessary to discard stuffed animals. Instead, washing bedding, clothing, and frequently used items in hot water or sealing them in a plastic bag for 2 weeks is sufficient to eliminate lice and nits.