A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a school-age child who has pediculosis capitis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Antifungal ointments, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, are used to treat fungal infections like tinea capitis or ringworm. Pediculosis capitis is caused by head lice (an ectoparasite), not a fungus, so antifungal ointments are ineffective. Using them can delay appropriate treatment and does not eradicate lice or nits. B. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used for minor wound cleaning or hair bleaching, but it has no proven effect on lice or nits. Its application to the scalp can cause skin irritation, dryness, and discomfort without treating the underlying infestation, making it an inappropriate intervention. C. Head lice are species-specific parasites that infest humans and cannot survive on pets. Treating animals is unnecessary and does not prevent reinfestation. Resources and efforts should instead focus on treating the affected child, close human contacts, and contaminated personal items. D. Lice and nits can survive on bedding, clothing, hats, and towels. Washing these items in hot water and drying them on high heat for at least 20 minutes effectively kills lice and prevents reinfestation. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in an airtight plastic bag for 14 days. This environmental control is an essential component of comprehensive pediculosis management.