Question

A child was sent home from school with head lice. the child's mother has called the help line nurse for guidance. what are three (3) measures the nurse will inform the mother about to address the infestation of pediculosis capitis?

Answer 1

Pediculosis capitis also known as the head lice infestation is the infection of the head hair and scalp by the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of someone who is infected. Itching from lice bites is common and may cause problems with sleeping. The itch may not develop for up to six weeks when a person is infected. Symptoms may begin much more quickly if a person is infected again. However, it is not a serious condition.

The three (3) measures the nurse will inform the mother about to address the infestation of pediculosis capitis were

a.       Combing the hair frequently with a fine tooth comb or shaving the head completely.

b.      Washing the Child’s clothing in hot water with detergents

c.       Applying Spinosad 0.9% topical suspension on his hair.

 

Answer 2

The measures which can be suggested by the nurse to the mother in order to address the infestation with head lice are the use of medication for head lice which are available over-the-counter, wash the clothes of the child in hot water, and do not apply hair conditioner before the use of medication.

Further Explanation:

A common infection that usually occurs in daycare, schools, and nurseries is head lice. It is also known as pediculosis capitis and is contagious. It occurs due to the presence of Pediculushumanus capitis and results in itching. Lice are small insects and depend on human blood for survival. The eggs are attached by the female louse on the scalp at the base of the hair. These eggs are hatched in the next 7-10 days. An adult louse is unable to survive beyond 2 days without the human host while an egg can remain viable for almost 10 days in the absence of a host in places like hairbrushes, carpets, or on clothes. Lice can be transferred from one child to another on direct contact thereby spreading the infection.

It can occur to anyone but is usually seen in children under the age group of 3-11 years. The infestation does not depend on the person’s cleanliness but depends on the hair type. As the claws of the louse can grasp smooth hair better than the curly hair, smooth hair is more prone to such infestation. The infestation causes itchy and scratchy scalp which results in scabbing.  

On finding out the presence of head lice in a child following measures can be suggested by the nurse:

• Use of over-the-counter medication.

• Avoid conditioner before the application of the medication as it will prevent the effect of the medicine on the lice.

• Washing off all the objects that the child was in contact in hot water so as to minimize the infestation from spreading further.

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Answer Details:

Grade: College Biology

Chapter: Head lice

Subject: Biology

Keywords:

Head lice, pediculosis capitis, Pediculushumanus capitis, contagious, infestation, itching, scratching.