A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has pediculosis capitis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale Sealing non-washable items in a plastic bag for 2 days is insufficient for killing lice and nits. The recommended duration for sealing items is 2 weeks because this timeframe ensures that any remaining nits hatch and the newly hatched lice die from a lack of a human host, as they can only survive for 1 to 2 days without a blood meal. A shorter duration risks re-infestation. Choice B rationale Soaking hairbrushes, combs, and similar items in boiling water for at least 5 to 10 minutes is an effective method for killing any lice or nits that may be clinging to them. The high temperature denatures the proteins of the insects and their eggs, leading to their demise. This is a crucial step in preventing re-infestation after treatment of the scalp. Choice C rationale Permethrin 1 percent cream rinse is typically applied to the hair and scalp for a specific duration, usually 10 minutes, and then rinsed off. It is not intended for daily use for 5 days. Daily application can lead to scalp irritation and potential systemic absorption, and it is not more effective than a single, properly timed application followed by a repeat treatment in 7 to 9 days to kill newly hatched lice. Choice D rationale Washing bed linens and clothing in hot water followed by drying on a hot setting is the correct procedure to kill lice and nits. A cool setting on a dryer would not generate sufficient heat to effectively eliminate the parasites. The high heat of a hot setting is necessary to denature the proteins and desiccate the lice and nits, ensuring they are dead and unable to cause re-infestation.