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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

A Parent Has Been Instructed to Apply a Combination Product