A patient who has scabies is treated with permethrin 5% cream. The patient calls the nurse 1 week after treatment to report continued intense itching. What will the nurse tell this patient?
A) "This is a hypersensitivity reaction to the permethrin."
B) "This is the body's normal response to the scabies mites."
C) "You will need a second treatment of the permethrin."
D) "You will need to take ivermectin to clear up the infestation."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intense itching continues for a week or two following treatment with permethrin because the patient's hypersensitivity reaction to the burrowed dead mites, feces, and eggs continues, and itching will continue until the body recovers. It is not a hypersensitivity reaction to the medication. Permethrin is effective in just one application. Ivermectin is not indicated.

A Patient Who Has Scabies Is Treated with Permethrin 5