Question

The 5-year-old is being tested for pinworms. To collect a specimen for assessment of pinworms, the nurse should teach the mother to: A. Examine the perianal area with a flashlight 2-3 hours after the child is asleep and to collect any eggs on a clear tape B. Scrape the skin with a piece of cardboard and bring it to the clinic C. Obtain a stool specimen in the afternoon D. Bring a hair sample to the clinic for evaluation

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate method for collecting a specimen to assess pinworms in a 5-year-old child is to examine the perianal area with a flashlight 2-3 hours after the child is asleep and to collect any eggs on clear tape. This method is known as the "tape test" or "cellophane tape test" and is the standard, most effective method for pinworm detection.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A

Option A suggests examining the perianal area with a flashlight 2-3 hours after the child is asleep and then collecting any eggs on clear tape. This method is known as the "tape test" or "cellophane tape test" and is a standard procedure for detecting pinworms. Pinworms are known to lay their eggs in the perianal area, usually at night, and using a flashlight can help spot them. Collecting the eggs with clear tape allows them to be examined under a microscope for a definitive diagnosis.

Analyze Option B

Option B says to scrape the skin with a piece of cardboard and bring it to the clinic. This method does not seem to be related to pinworm detection and might not be an effective way to collect a specimen.

Analyze Option C

Option C proposes obtaining a stool specimen in the afternoon. While a stool sample can potentially be used for pinworm detection, the eggs are not consistently present in stool samples, making this method less reliable than the tape test.

Analyze Option D

Option D recommends bringing a hair sample to the clinic for evaluation. This method is not related to pinworm detection, as pinworms do not inhabit the hair.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis of each option, it is clear that Option A is the best choice for collecting a specimen for pinworm assessment, as it is the standard, most effective method for pinworm detection. The other options do not seem to be related to pinworm detection or are less reliable. So, the correct answer is: A. Examine the perianal area with a flashlight 2-3 hours after the child is asleep and to collect any eggs on a clear tape.

Key concepts

Tape Test

The tape test is a simple and commonly used technique for the detection of pinworms, especially in younger patients. Pinworms, also known as Enterobius vermicularis, are small parasitic worms that can live in the colon and rectum of humans. In order to confirm their presence, the tape test is performed early in the morning before the child has bathed or used the bathroom. A piece of clear, adhesive cellophane tape is pressed against the skin around the child’s anus and then placed on a microscope slide to be examined for pinworm eggs.

The tape test is non-invasive, cost-effective, and can be easily conducted at home with instructions from a healthcare provider. Nurses and pediatric caregivers often provide parents with step-by-step guidance to ensure the test is performed effectively for optimal specimen collection.

Cellophane Tape Test

The cellophane tape test, a variant of the tape test, utilizes the stickiness of cellophane tape to capture pinworm eggs. These eggs are microscopic and transparent, making them invisible to the naked eye but detectable under a microscope. When performing the test at home, always use a new piece of tape each time to avoid contamination and increase the likelihood of detecting any eggs.

For the best results, the cellophane tape test should be done on three consecutive mornings to improve the chances of finding eggs, since pinworms do not lay eggs every night. This test emphasizes the importance of timing and consistency for accurate detection and is a prime example of noninvasive specimen collection in pediatric patients.

Pediatric Nursing

In pediatric nursing, the focus is not only on administering medical care but also on educating and guiding families through health challenges. Nurses play a critical role in the management and treatment of infections like pinworms, which are common in young children. They offer detailed instructions on how to perform at-home procedures such as the tape or cellophane tape tests.

These professionals also demonstrate empathy and patience when addressing the concerns of guardians and ensure that families have the necessary support and understanding of the child's condition and the diagnostic process. Effective communication by nursing staff is essential to reassure parents that a pinworm infection is a common and treatable condition.

Specimen Collection

Specimen collection is a pivotal part of diagnosing various medical conditions. In the context of pinworm detection, the specimen in question is the egg of the parasite. Proper collection methods are taught to avoid contamination and ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Healthcare professionals may provide clear instructions on the types of specimens needed, how to collect them, and how they will be used in testing. In the case of pinworms, collecting a specimen includes using a tape test, as opposed to other methods like stool samples which may not be as reliable for this purpose. This highlights the significance of selecting the appropriate technique for specimen collection to aid in accurate laboratory analysis and subsequent treatment plans.