Question

What are three (3) measures the nurse will inform the mother about to address the infestation of pediculosis capitis?

Answer 1

If a child has pediculosis capitis--or what is known as head lice--then, the nurse must educate the mother on how to get rid of it.  Pediculosis capitis is highly contagious and it also causes discomfort to children affected by it due to extreme itchiness.  In order to get rid of head lice, the nurse must inform the mother to:  a.  buy an effective over-the-counter treatment and to use it as directed;b.  wash any objects that have come in contact with the child using hot water for at least 20 minutes; and c.  inform the mother not to share personal items that are being used by her child to other family members to avoid cross-contamination.

Answer 2

The nurse should inform the about the associated procedure needed such as hand hygiene, screening of other households and patient teaching, mother should know how to inspect for lice, decontaminate sources, proper application of pediculicidal agents. It is also important to monitor teach the mother how to determine evidence of nits, check for improvement upon starting of treatment.