Author Question: A parent has been instructed to apply a combination product of pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide ... (Read 55 times)

mpobi80 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A parent has been instructed to apply a combination product of pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide (RID) to treat head lice in a child. The parent asks the nurse why it is necessary to repeat the application in 9 days.

The nurse will respond by telling the parent that:
a. a second treatment helps combat medication resistance.
b. the dose needed to kill lice is too toxic to use all at once.
c. the combination is active only against adult lice and not ova.
d. the second dose helps rid the hair of nits and ova.

Question 2

Two days after a child is treated with permethrin (Nix) for head lice, a parent calls the clinic to report seeing nits and a few live lice on the child's scalp. The nurse will tell the parent to:

a. ask the provider about using benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia).
b. cut the areas of the child's hair where nits are present.
c. retreat the child's hair with permethrin (Nix).
d. use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits and live lice.

jaykayy05 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide is given as two treatments, because the combination is active against adult lice. Ova are not affected, so a second dose is given when those hatch. A second dose does not affect medication resistance. The combination is not toxic in therapeutic doses. Nits and ova are not removed with a second treatment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A few days after treatment with permethrin, dead lice and remaining live lice, along with nits, should be removed with a fine-toothed comb. It is not necessary to try a different product or to retreat with permethrin until 9 days after treatment. Eradication of head lice does not require shaving or cutting the hair.