The mother of a young child calls the clinic and tells the nurse that she has just discovered head lice in her daughter's hair. What is the best instruction by the nurse?

Question

1. "Purchase an over-the-counter lice medication and follow the package directions exactly."
2. "Take her to your beautician for treatment."
3. "Bring her to the clinic for evaluation."
4. "Be certain to eliminate all the lice with the first application of medication as treatment cannot be done again for a month."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Package directions should be followed exactly.
Rationale 2: Lice are easily spread. Exposing those in the beauty shop to lice is not the best plan.
Rationale 3: It is easy to identify lice at home and instruction for treatment can be given over the telephone. Lice are easily spread, so it is not the best plan to have the child in the clinic waiting room.
Rationale 4: Treatment can be repeated, usually in one week, if necessary.