A parent has used permethrin [Nix] twice to treat head lice in a child. Two weeks after the last treatment, head lice are again found in the child's hair. The parent asks the nurse what to do. The nurse will recommend asking the child's provider about which therapy?
A) Applying lindane 1% shampoo
B) Cutting the child's hair
C) Ordering permethrin 5% [Elimite]
D) Using benzyl alcohol [Ulesfia]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Permethrin 1% [Nix] is the drug of choice for lice, but it fails in about 5% of patients as the result of drug resistance. When drug resistance occurs, patients should be treated with malathion or benzyl alcohol. Lindane has serious central nervous system (CNS) side effects and should not be used unless other treatments fail. Cutting the child's hair is not necessary. Permethrin 5% [Elimite] is used to treat scabies.

A Parent Has Used Permethrin [Nix] Twice to Treat Head