A school nurse conducting a screening for pediculosis capitis identifies several children who require treatment. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the children's parents?

A.

Inspect any dogs or cats at home for lice.

B.

Soak all combs and hairbrushes in alcohol.

C.

Spray countertops and sinks with insecticide.

D.

Seal nonwashable items in airtight plastic bags.

Answer and Rationale

The Correct Answer is D.

The nurse should instruct the children’s parents to seal nonwashable items in airtight plastic bags for at least 72 hours to kill any lice or nits that may be on those items.
Choice A is incorrect because lice are specific to humans and do not infest dogs
or cats.
Choice B is incorrect because soaking combs and hairbrushes in alcohol is not necessary.
Instead, they can be soaked in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5-10 minutes.
Choice C is incorrect because spraying countertops and sinks with insecticide is not necessary and could be harmful.