Reference no: EM133444890

Pediculosis Capitis Case Study

A.P. is an 8-year-old who is sent to the nurse's office because she has had a 2-day history of scratching her head so badly that she complains that her "head hurts." You complete a general examination of A.P.'s head and notice that she has red, irritated areas with several scratch marks; a few open sores and sesame seed-sized, silvery white and yellow nodules (bugs) that are adhered to many of her hair shafts. You determine that A.P. has pediculosis capitis.

1. What is pediculosis capitis?

2. What will be your next steps in A.P.'s care?

3. What should be included in the educational plans for A.P. and her parents?

4. Why would head lice occur in school-age children?

5. What possible complications can occur as a result of failing to treat head lice?

6. What nursing actions would you take regarding A.P.'s classmates?

7. A.P.'s mother calls you to ask what complications may occur with the head lice infestation.

a. "Head lice may transmit certain viral illnesses."

b. "Head lice are not known to transmit disease."

c. "Head lice are common carriers of impetigo."

d. "It is common to have a ringworm infection after a case of head lice."