The nurse is caring for a patient who has multiple ticks on her legs and body. To rid the patient of ticks, the nurse should

Question

a. Burn the ticks in an ashtray once removed.
b. Use blunt tweezers and pull upward with steady pressure.
c. Allow the ticks to drop off by themselves.
d. Use products containing lindane to kill the ticks.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Using blunt tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the head as possible and pull upward with even, steady pressure. Hold until the tick pulls out, usually for about 3 to 4 minutes. Save the tick in a plastic bag, and put it in the freezer if necessary to identify the type of tick. Because ticks transmit several diseases to people, they must be removed. Allowing them to drop off by themselves is not an option. Lindane is an ingredient that was used in treatment for pediculosis capitis (head lice); it should no longer be used because the ingredient is toxic and is known to cause adverse reactions.