A school nurse is completing routine health evaluations for school-age children. Which of the following manifestation should alert the nurse to the possibility of pediculosis capitis?
Patches of baldness
Blisters on the scalp
Dry patches on the scalp
Reports of scalp itchiness
The Correct Answer is D
A. Patches of baldness: Patches of baldness on the scalp could be indicative of conditions like alopecia areata, a disorder characterized by hair loss in patches. However, it is not a typical manifestation of pediculosis capitis, which primarily presents with scalp itchiness due to lice bites rather than hair loss.
B. Blisters on the scalp: Blisters on the scalp may suggest other conditions such as herpes simplex infection or contact dermatitis. While scratching from head lice infestation could lead to skin irritation, blisters are not a common presentation of pediculosis capitis.
C. Dry patches on the scalp: Dry patches on the scalp might be caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. While scalp dryness can occur with pediculosis capitis due to irritation from scratching, it is not a specific symptom associated with head lice infestation.
D. Reports of scalp itchiness: Scalp itchiness is a hallmark symptom of pediculosis capitis. It occurs as a result of lice bites and the body's inflammatory response to their saliva. It is the most characteristic and common manifestation of head lice infestation and often prompts further examination for the presence of lice or their eggs (nits).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abdominal wall defect:
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth can indicate a potential obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. While an abdominal wall defect could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, it is not specifically associated with failure to pass meconium.
B. Celiac disease:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten. While celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is not typically associated with failure to pass meconium in the newborn period.
C. Intussusception:
Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing a bowel obstruction. While intussusception is a cause of bowel obstruction in infants, it typically presents with symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of "currant jelly" stool, rather than failure to pass meconium.
D. Hirschsprung disease:
Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal portion of the colon, leading to functional obstruction. Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease. This condition requires surgical intervention to remove the affected portion of the colon and restore normal bowel function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Children with Reye syndrome are admitted to the hospital:
This statement is accurate. Children with Reye syndrome often require hospital admission for monitoring and supportive care. Therefore, it does not indicate a need for further education.
B. I will have my children immunized against varicella and influenza:
This statement is also accurate. Vaccination against varicella (chickenpox) and influenza is recommended to prevent these illnesses. It does not indicate a need for further education.
C. I will give aspirin to my child to treat a headache:
This statement is concerning because giving aspirin to a child with Reye syndrome can worsen their condition. Aspirin use is contraindicated in children with viral illnesses due to the risk of Reye syndrome. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further education.
D. I will make sure not to give my child any products containing aspirin:
This statement is accurate. Avoiding products containing aspirin is essential to prevent the risk of Reye syndrome in children. It does not indicate a need for further education.
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