The nurse has instructed the parents of a child with an enterobiasis (pinworm) infection. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
The nurse has instructed the parents of a child with an enterobiasis (pinworm) infection. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will ensure my child takes a tub bath every night."
[3%]
B. "I will keep my child's fingernails short."
[71%]
C. "I will limit the number of times my child washes their hands with soap and water."
[2%]
D. "My child should stay home from school during the infection."
[24%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Gastrointestinal
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Illness Management
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Enterobiasis (pinworm) infection is characterized by intense nocturnal perianal itching. The child's nails should be short to avoid injury to the area, which may trigger cellulitis. Further, the short nails will decrease the likelihood of ova under the nail, which will cause reinfection and/or infect others.
Choice A is incorrect. Showering is recommended over a tub bath because the water in the bath is contaminated with the parasite.
Choice C is incorrect. The child should wash their hands more frequently, especially after using the bathroom. The ova survive under the nails, so reviewing hand hygiene with the child is essential.
Choice D is incorrect. The child does not need to stay home during this infection, as appropriate hand hygiene will prevent the transmission of this parasite.
Additional Info
✓ Pinworm infestation is the most common helminthic infection in the United States.
✓ Enterobiasis infestation is seldom harmful, and reinfestation is common, as ova deposited in the environment can survive three weeks.
✓ Pinworm eggs may be ingested when people touch their mouth after they scratch their perianal area or handle contaminated clothes or other objects (e.g., bed linens).
✓ Treatment is available over the counter and may need to be repeated if the hygiene habits are not implemented.
✓ The oral treatment will need to be repeated in two weeks to ensure total eradication of the parasite.
✓ The nurse should recommend that the child adhere to strict hand hygiene, cut the nails short to prevent ova under the nails and do daily showering.
✓ It is also recommended that linens are washed with warm water.
