The method of ridding the hair of lice on the head (pediculosis capitis). Hair lice is one of the common ectoparasitic infestation of the psychiatric patient that causes a lot of itching and discomfort.
Aims
· Prevent infection and promote recovery
· Promote skin integrity
· Relieve patient of discomfort
Requirements
a. A tray containing the following:
· Fine-toothed comb
· Pipette
· Dressing comb and brush
· Gallipot with cotton wool swab
· Protective material
· Hair cover for nurse(s)
· Treatment lotion in gallipot (e.g. savlon, benzyl alcohol 5%, crotamiton 10% etc.)
· Receiver for used swabs
· Rubber apron
· Examination gloves
· Shampoo and conditioner
· Bath towel
b. Screen
Steps
1. Establish rapport (refer procedure)
2. Explain procedure to patient
3. Provide privacy
4. Prepare and send tray to appropriate place
5. Take patient to the appropriate place for the procedure
6. Sit patient in a desired position
7. Perform hand hygiene, put on rubber apron, hair cover and don gloves
8. Cover the patient’s neck and chest with protective material
9. Part the hair into small sections
10. Apply treatment lotion to the hair at the various partings
11. Spread treatment lotion in hair using pipette
12. Cover the patient’s head with hair cover
13. Leave hair covered according to the instructions of the treatment lotion used
14. Wash hair (refer procedure) to remove the treatment lotion completely at the appropriate time
15. Inspect and assess the scalp
16. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove the nits that may have remained in the hair
17. Comb and style hair according to patient’s preference
18. Remove protective material, and leave patient dry and comfortable
19. Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
20. Remove screen, clear tray, decontaminate used items and perform hand hygiene
21. Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder
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