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    HESI RN Med Surg Proctored Exam

    A preschool-age boy in a daycare facility scratches his head frequently, and the nurse confirms the presence of head lice. The nurse washes the child's hair with permethrin shampoo and calls his parents. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the parents about treatment for head lice?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Taking the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and a shorter haircut is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because a hair salon may not accept a child with head lice, as they can spread to other customers and staff. A shorter haircut may also not help to get rid of the lice or their eggs, which can attach to any length of hair. Choice B reason: Rewashing the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because a 24-hour isolation period is not necessary or effective for treating head lice. Head lice do not survive long without a human host, and they do not spread through the air or by jumping. Rewashing the child's hair may also wash off the permethrin shampoo, which needs to stay on the hair for 10 minutes to kill the lice and their eggs. Choice C reason: Washing the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water is a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because head lice and their eggs can be transferred to the child's bedding and clothing through direct contact. Washing these items in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and drying them on high heat can kill any remaining lice or eggs. Alternatively, the items can be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to suffocate the lice. Choice D reason: Disposing of the child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories is not a good instruction that the nurse should provide. This is because it is not necessary to throw away these items, as they can be treated and reused. The nurse should advise the parents to soak the items in hot water (at least 130

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