Question 1
A school nurse is conducting a health screening and notices that a 10-year-old child has several small, honey-colored crusted lesions around their mouth and nose. The child reports that the spots are itchy. The nurse suspects impetigo. What is the most critical instruction the nurse should provide to the child's parents?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, common in children. The priority is to prevent its spread. The most critical instruction is to keep the child home from school and other activities until they have completed at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, as they are no longer considered contagious after this period. Hydrocortisone is inappropriate as it can worsen bacterial infections. Covering the lesions is a good secondary measure but does not replace the need for isolation. Washing with soap is good hygiene but not the most critical instruction for preventing transmission in a school setting.