Question

When gamma benzene hexachloride is prescribed for the management of scabies, which directions should the nurse give the client regarding its use? a. Apply from head to toe; wait 4 hours; wash off; repeat in 2 weeks b. Apply to intertriginous areas; rub in well; repeat daily until itch disappears c. Apply from neck down at bedtime; wash off in \(8-12\) hours; repeat in 1 week if live mites seen d. Apply to hairy areas of the body; do not rub in; wait 8 hours and rinse off thoroughly

Short answer

c. Apply from neck down at bedtime; wash off in 8-12 hours; repeat in 1 week if live mites seen

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Options

Read all the options carefully: a. Apply from head to toe; wait 4 hours; wash off; repeat in 2 weeks b. Apply to intertriginous areas; rub in well; repeat daily until itch disappears c. Apply from neck down at bedtime; wash off in 8-12 hours; repeat in 1 week if live mites seen d. Apply to hairy areas of the body; do not rub in; wait 8 hours and rinse off thoroughly

- Identify Key Instructions from the Options

Review specific directions for each option closely. Pay attention to instructions such as 'apply from head to toe,' 'wait 4 hours,' and 'repeat in 2 weeks' for each option.

- Recall Standard Treatment Procedure for Scabies

Consider standard treatment procedures for scabies using gamma benzene hexachloride. Typically, the correct method involves applying the medication from neck down, washing it off after a certain number of hours, and considering a follow-up if necessary.

- Compare with Known Treatment

Check which option matches the standard treatment procedure. Option c, 'Apply from neck down at bedtime; wash off in 8-12 hours; repeat in 1 week if live mites seen,' aligns with common clinical practices for scabies treatment.

- Confirm Final Answer

Verify that option c fits the typical protocol and covers all necessary aspects: time of application, duration before washing off, and follow-up instructions.

Key concepts

gamma benzene hexachloride

Gamma benzene hexachloride, commonly known as lindane, is a well-known treatment used to combat scabies, which is a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This medication works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs. It is crucial to follow the prescribed application instructions precisely to maximize effectiveness and minimize potential side effects or risks.
When applying gamma benzene hexachloride, patients should be aware:
- It's typically applied from the neck down, not from head to toe, unless otherwise directed.
- The medication stays on the skin for a specified duration, usually between 8-12 hours, before it needs to be washed off.
- The treatment might need to be repeated if live mites are observed after one week.
It is always important to follow the treatment protocol set forth by a healthcare provider to ensure safety and efficacy.

nursing instructions

When nurses are guiding patients on using gamma benzene hexachloride for scabies treatment, they must provide clear and thorough instructions to ensure proper application and effectiveness. Keywords here include understanding how to apply the treatment, how long it should remain on the skin, and the follow-up procedures.
Key points for nursing instructions:
- **Application**: Advise the patient to apply the medication from the neck down, covering all skin areas except the face and scalp unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider.
- **Duration**: Instruct the patient to leave the medication on for 8-12 hours, preferably putting it on at bedtime and rinsing off the next morning.
- **Reapplication**: Explain to the patient that if there are visible mites after 1 week, the treatment should be reapplied.
Additionally, the nurse should warn the patient about potential side effects such as skin irritation and the importance of not overusing the product to avoid toxicity.

standard treatment protocol

The standard treatment protocol for managing scabies with gamma benzene hexachloride involves several critical steps to ensure both the success of the treatment and the safety of the patient. This protocol consolidates best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
Core components of the standard treatment protocol include:
- **Preparation**: Before application, ensure that the patient showers and thoroughly cleans the body to remove any dirt or oils.
- **Application Steps**:
- Apply the medication from the neck down, making sure all affected areas are covered.
- Use at bedtime, leaving the medication on for 8-12 hours.
- Wash off the medication the next morning thoroughly.
- **Follow-up**: Assess for any remaining live mites one week post-treatment. If live mites are seen, reapplication may be necessary.
This protocol aims to balance the need to effectively eradicate the mites while ensuring patient safety and comfort during and after treatment.