The nurse is reviewing teaching with the parents of a child who has tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) and is newly prescribed griseofulvin oral suspension and 1% selenium sulfide shampoo. Which statement by the child's parent requires the nurse to intervene?

Question

The nurse is reviewing teaching with the parents of a child who has tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) and is newly prescribed griseofulvin oral suspension and 1% selenium sulfide shampoo.  Which statement by the child's parent requires the nurse to intervene?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) is a contagious fungal infection that lives on the surface of the scalp, resulting in scaly, pruritic, erythematous, circular patches with hair loss. The infection is transmitted via direct contact with infected persons, pets, or objects (eg, hairbrushes, bedding, towels, hats). Treatment may include 1% selenium sulfide shampoo applied several times each week in combination with an antifungal medication (eg, griseofulvin oral suspension) that the client must take for several weeks to months. Keratin-producing cells absorb griseofulvin, causing resistance to the fungus; because the fungus requires keratin (protein in hair and skin cells) to live and grow, it is not able to reproduce. To ensure that infected keratin is shed completely, treatment with griseofulvin should not be discontinued early, even if symptoms (eg, itching, scaling) decrease (Option A). (Option B) The client will best absorb griseofulvin (ie, suspension, microsized tablets) when taken after/with high-fat foods (eg, ice cream). (Option C) Photosensitivity is a common side effect of griseofulvin treatment, and the client should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use sunscreen. (Option D) The client should apply medicated shampoo (eg, 1% selenium sulfide) to the scalp a few times each week. Educational objective: Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) is treated with griseofulvin, an antifungal medication, and 1% selenium sulfide medicated shampoo. Griseofulvin therapy can last for several weeks to months, may cause photosensitivity, and should not be discontinued early, even if symptoms subside; the oral suspension is best absorbed after eating high-fat foods.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Teaching with the Parents of a Child