A school nurse is examining a third-grade student complaining of a small lump on her head. After parting the hair, it is evident that a tick has embedded into the scalp. Which nursing intervention should the school nurse take?
Use tweezers or forceps to remove the tick, pulling up with a steady pressure.
Squeeze the tick and pull it off with bare fingers.
Spray DEET directly on to the child's skin where the tick is embedded.
Apply mineral oil to the site of attachment and wait for the tick to back out.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The appropriate method for tick removal involves using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. This minimizes the risk of the tick's mouthparts breaking off and remaining in the skin.
B. Using bare fingers can be unsanitary and may cause the tick to release more saliva, potentially increasing the risk of disease transmission. Squeezing the tick can also lead to the release of harmful pathogens into the bloodstream.
C. DEET is an insect repellent that is used to prevent tick bites but should not be applied to a tick that is already embedded. Applying repellent will not assist in tick removal and may cause irritation to the skin.
D. While some people believe that applying mineral oil can cause a tick to detach, this method is not recommended. It may irritate the tick and could increase the likelihood of the tick regurgitating pathogens into the skin, raising the risk of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While it may be important to inform the parents later, this is not the immediate priority. The first step should be to assess and manage the current situation before involving the parents.
B. This is a reasonable action to help soothe the itching and irritation caused by contact dermatitis. However, before applying compresses, it’s crucial to ensure that the area is clean and that there is no potential for worsening the condition.
C. This may be necessary if the reaction is severe or worsening, but in this case, the student is exhibiting signs consistent with contact dermatitis, which can often be managed effectively at school without immediate medical intervention.
D. Washing the affected area with soap and water helps remove any potential irritants or allergens that may be causing the dermatitis. This action can help prevent the condition from worsening and relieve some of the symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, is not directly associated with diabetes mellitus. While people with diabetes may have other gastrointestinal issues, cholecystitis is not considered a long-term complication of diabetes.
B. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and is not a common long-term complication of diabetes. While chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes (type 3c diabetes), it is not primarily caused by diabetes itself. Thus, it is not considered a typical long-term complication of diabetes mellitus.
C. Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near vision due to the hardening of the lens in the eye. While individuals with diabetes can experience eye problems, presbyopia is a normal part of aging and not specifically a long-term complication of diabetes.
D. Diabetic neuropathy is a well-known long-term complication of diabetes mellitus. It results from nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Neuropathy can lead to various symptoms, including pain, tingling, and loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities.
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