HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 13-14
Infection Control: Pediculosis (Lice), Treatment of __RN
PURPOSE:
To destroy nits and pediculi from infested area, relieve
itching, and prevent the spread of the infestation.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Care should be taken that medications do not come
in contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
2. Care is necessary to prevent transference of nits
from one patient to another.
3. Children under two years of age should be treated
by manual removal of lice and eggs, unless
otherwise ordered by physician.
4. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult
physician prior to using pediculicidal medicine
5. All of the patient's clothing, bed linen, and towels
are considered contaminated, and should be kept
separate from regular laundry and washed in hot
water that reaches 131 degrees F for 20 minutes or
dry cleaned.
6. Any toiletry items that have been used by the
patient need to be disinfected by soaking them in
the pediculicide or in a pan of water heated to 150
degrees F for 20 minutes. Live lice may be
reintroduced onto the patient's scalp after treatment
by using a contaminated comb.
7. For items that cannot be scrubbed, soaked, or dry
cleaned, place them in a plastic bag tightly closed
for 10 days. Nits & lice will die in that environment.
EQUIPMENT:
Pediculicidal medication
Shampoo as ordered by physician, if pediculosis capitis
(head lice)
Towels
Gloves
Washcloth
Ointment for skin, if ordered by physician
Disposable gown
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient/caregiver. Instruct
patient to cover eyes with washcloth, if procedure
involves head lice.
3. Follow manufacturer's instructions for medication
use.
4. Assemble equipment.
5. Assist patient to remove clothing, if necessary.
6. Saturate affected area of the body with medication
as directed, and leave on for time period indicated in
package insert.
7. Wash affected area.
8. If head lice are present comb hair with fine-tooth
comb to remove nits.
9. Assist patient to put on clean clothing, if necessary.
10. Apply ointment to irritated areas on body, if ordered
by physician.
11. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate container.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Treatment provided, including: date, time, and
medication applied.
b. Patient's response to treatment.
2. Report any changes in patient's condition to
supervisor or physician as appropriate.
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