Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism and get their food from or at

the expense of their host. There are different parasites in our environment, two of which are the
head louse and the tick. A head louse is one example of an ectoparasite, which is classified as
organisms that live on the skin of a host, from which they derive their sustenance. And a head
louse, as we know it, lives and gets nutrients from a human’s head. Ticks as well belong under
ectoparasites as they live on the skin of their host and survive by feeding on their host’s blood.
Ticks are commonly found on a dog’s skin.
Pediculosis capitis, caused by head lice, is the most common louse infestation. Ideal
nursing interventions that can be done to address this infection are: first, assess the patient’s
scalp for nits or active lice; use a wood lamp or black light if necessary. Next, administer the
prescribed medications, then advise the patient or family on how to perform self-application for
its strongly recommended second treatment. Additionally, encourage wet-combing of hair and
advise the patient and family to prevent scratching of the affected areas.
Ticks, on the other hand, can carry Rickettsia rickettsia bacteria, which can cause Rocky
Mountain spotted fever. The ideal nursing intervention that can be done to address this infection
is to first examine a patient for ticks and ask her or him about insect bites and activities that may
have exposed her to ticks. In cases where you see a tick implanted in a patient’s skin, wear your
gloves and remove it carefully using tweezers or a notched tick extractor. If the nurse suspects
RMSF in a patient, she should start treatment without waiting for the lab confirmation. Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever generally responds well to an oral tetracycline antibiotic.

Reference:
Pediculosis capitis head lice nursing care plans diagnosis and interventions. (2020). Nurses
Study Net. https://nursestudy.net/pediculosis-capitis-head-lice-nursing-review/
Snow, M. (2008). Taking the bite out of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Department: Upfront:
Combating Infection, 38(6), 19.
https://journals.lww.com/nursing/Citation/2008/06000/Taking_the_bite_out_of_Rocky_M
ountain_spotted.12.aspx