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 A
Explanation
A. Projectile vomiting
Projectile vomiting is a classic symptom of pyloric stenosis in infants. It typically occurs within 30 minutes of feeding and is forceful, often projecting several feet away from the infant. This occurs due to the obstruction at the pyloric sphincter, leading to the stomach forcefully emptying its contents.
B. Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is not a typical finding associated with pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis leads to vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but it typically does not cause metabolic acidosis directly.
C. Effortless regurgitation
Effortless regurgitation is not a characteristic finding of pyloric stenosis. In pyloric stenosis, vomiting is forceful and projectile, rather than a passive regurgitation of stomach contents.
D. Distended abdomen
A distended abdomen can be a finding in pyloric stenosis. The obstruction at the pyloric sphincter can lead to gastric retention, causing the stomach to become distended over time. However, it's important to note that not all infants with pyloric stenosis will present with a visibly distended abdomen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You will need to take the entire prescription of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve."
Atopic dermatitis is not typically treated with antibiotics, as it is not caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, this statement is not relevant and would not be included in the teaching.
B. "The doctor will remove the lesions with liquid nitrogen."
Liquid nitrogen is not typically used to remove lesions associated with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis lesions are usually managed with topical treatments and other measures to reduce inflammation and itching. Therefore, this statement is not accurate and would not be included in the teaching.
C. "The doctor might recommend an antihistamine to help control your symptoms."
Antihistamines may be prescribed to help relieve itching associated with atopic dermatitis. Itching is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis, and antihistamines can help reduce this symptom. Therefore, this statement is relevant and would be included in the teaching.
D. "You can relieve your child's discomfort by applying warm compresses to the lesions."
Warm compresses can exacerbate itching associated with atopic dermatitis by increasing blood flow.
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