A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a school-age child who has an active case of Pediculosis humanus capitis. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Answer: C Rationale: A) Apply a topical corticosteroid ointment to the scalp: Corticosteroids are not indicated for the treatment of Pediculosis capitis (head lice). The treatment focuses on eliminating the lice and nits, typically through pediculicide medications like permethrin or ivermectin. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching, but they do not kill the lice or their eggs. B) Soak hair brushes and combs in soapy water: Soaking hair brushes and combs in soapy water alone is not sufficient to kill lice. Items such as hair brushes should be soaked in hot water (130°F or higher) for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure any lice or nits present are killed. This is a critical step to prevent reinfestation. C) Wash the bed linens in hot water: Washing bed linens in hot water (130°F or higher) is essential to eliminate lice and nits that may have transferred onto bedding. This prevents the spread and recurrence of lice. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks to kill the lice. D) Clean the child's toys with a 1:10 bleach solution: Lice are spread through direct contact and cannot live on inanimate objects for long periods. Cleaning toys with bleach is unnecessary for lice removal and can be harmful to the toys or the child if not properly rinsed.