Adam Barnes iHuman Case Study
Adam Barnes is a 5-year-old African American male presenting with anal itching that has persisted for 4 weeks and increased in severity, accompanied by sleep disturbances and recent changes in bowel habits.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to approach his case, from initial history-taking through physical examination to the final diagnosis of pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis). You’ll learn the key clinical reasoning steps for pediatric patients, what the iHuman grading rubric expects, and a complete step-by-step solution to help you confidently navigate this common childhood parasitic infection case simulation.

Adam Barnes iHuman Case Overview (Doorway Information)
Patient Overview: Adam Barnes is a 5-year-old African American male presenting with a chief complaint of “bottom itches” that has been occurring for approximately 4 weeks and has progressively worsened. He describes experiencing intense anal itching, particularly at night, which has resulted in sleep disturbances and multiple nighttime awakenings. The patient also reports anal irritation and leakage requiring the use of pull-ups during nighttime hours.
Key Background Information:
- Age/Gender: 5-year-old male
- Chief Complaint: “Bottom itches”
- Duration: 4 weeks of symptoms with increasing severity
- Pain Characteristics: Anal itching, worse at night, interfering with sleep
- Associated Symptoms: Anal leakage, sleep disturbances, constipation
- Significant History: Recent enrollment in kindergarten, history of constipation, poor hand hygiene, nail-biting behavior
- Recent Changes: New bubble bath soap, new laundry detergent, decreased bowel movement frequency
- Behavioral Risk Factors: Poor hand hygiene after toilet use and before meals, nail-biting
- School Environment: Kindergarten student (group setting increases transmission risk)
The patient appears alert and appropriate for age, currently accompanied by his mother who provides most of the history. His presentation is classic for parasitic infection, particularly pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), making this an excellent case for learning systematic pediatric assessment and differential diagnosis skills for common childhood infections.
Adam Barnes (5 y/o male) – Anal Itching Assessment
- CC: “Bottom itches”
- MSAP: Anal pruritus for 4 weeks, worse at night, associated with sleep disturbances, anal leakage, and recent constipation
- Associated symptoms: Sleep disruption, anal irritation, leakage requiring pull-ups
- History: Recent school enrollment, poor hand hygiene, nail-biting, new personal care products
- High-risk behaviors: Poor hand hygiene, nail-biting, group childcare setting
History Questions:
- How can I help you and Adam today?
- When did the itching around his bottom first start?
- Can you describe what the itching is like? (intensity, timing, location)
- Is the itching worse at any particular time of day or night?
- Has the itching affected his sleep? How many times does he wake up at night?
- Have you noticed any visible worms or white thread-like objects around his bottom or in his underwear?
- Has there been any change in his bowel movements recently?
- How often was he having bowel movements before this started, and how often now?
- Does he have any pain with bowel movements?
- Have you noticed any leakage or soiling of his underwear?
- Tell me about his hand washing habits, especially after using the bathroom and before eating
- Does he bite his nails or suck his fingers?
- Has he started school or daycare recently?
- Have other children or family members had similar symptoms?
- Have you tried any new soaps, detergents, or personal care products recently?
- Does he take baths with bubble bath or special soaps?
- Has he been eating anything unusual or different?
- Any fever, stomach pain, or nausea?
- Any rash or redness around his bottom area?
- Has he been more irritable or cranky than usual?
- Any problems with potty training or bedwetting that’s new?
- Does Adam have any allergies to medications, foods, or environmental factors?
- Is he taking any medications currently?
- Has he had any recent illnesses or infections?
Physical Exam:
- Vitals: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, height, weight, BMI percentile
- General appearance: alertness, activity level, cooperation with exam
- Skin: examine for rashes, lesions, scratching marks
- HEENT: lymph node assessment, throat examination
- Abdomen:
- Visual inspection of abdomen
- Auscultate bowel sounds
- Palpate abdomen for masses, tenderness, or distension
- Perianal examination:
- Visual inspection of perianal area for erythema, excoriation, visible worms
- Look for signs of scratching or secondary bacterial infection
- Examine for anal fissures or hemorrhoids
- Genitourinary: external genitalia examination (age-appropriate)
- Extremities: examine fingernails for length, cleanliness, signs of nail-biting
- Neurological: assess for appropriate developmental milestones and behavior
Assessment Note:
A.B. is a 5-year-old AA male presenting with 4-week history of progressive anal pruritus, worse at nighttime, associated with sleep disturbances and recent onset constipation. Patient has recently started kindergarten and exhibits high-risk behaviors including poor hand hygiene and nail-biting. Physical exam notable for perianal erythema and excoriation consistent with scratching. Recent changes include decreased bowel movement frequency from daily to 1-2 times per week and use of new personal care products.
Diagnostic Testing: Scotch tape test performed – positive for pinworm eggs Diagnosis: Pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
Plan:
- Pharmacological treatment: Mebendazole 100mg single dose, repeat in 2 weeks
- Family treatment: Treat all household members simultaneously
- Hygiene education: Comprehensive hygiene counseling for patient and family
- Environmental measures: Hot water washing of bedding and clothing, daily underwear changes
- School notification: Inform school of diagnosis for appropriate precautions
- Follow-up: Return visit in 2 weeks to assess treatment effectiveness
Adam Barnes SOAP Note
Patient: Adam Barnes
Subjective Data
CC: 5-year-old male presents with “bottom itches”
HPI: 5-year-old African American male presents today with chief complaint of anal itching that began approximately 4 weeks ago and has progressively increased in severity. The patient’s mother reports that the itching is moderate in intensity and occurs primarily at nighttime, causing significant sleep disturbances with the child awakening multiple times throughout the night. The patient has developed anal irritation and leakage requiring the use of pull-ups during nighttime hours.
The mother notes a significant change in bowel habits coinciding with the start of kindergarten 4 weeks ago. Previously, the patient had daily bowel movements, but frequency has decreased to 1-2 times per week, suggesting constipation. The patient exhibits poor hand hygiene practices, particularly after toilet use and before meals, and has a habit of nail-biting. The mother reports recent introduction of new bubble bath soap and laundry detergent in an attempt to address the symptoms. No fever, abdominal pain, or visible worms have been reported by the family.
Medications: None currently
Allergies: (medication, environmental, food) No known drug, food, or environmental allergies reported
PMH: History of constipation. Otherwise healthy child with no chronic medical conditions.
Birth History: Full-term vaginal delivery without complications. Normal birth weight. Met all developmental milestones appropriately.
Immunizations: Up to date per CDC childhood immunization schedule. No adverse reactions to previous vaccinations.
Family History: No significant family history of parasitic infections, gastrointestinal disorders, or allergic conditions. Parents and siblings currently asymptomatic.
Social History: Recently started kindergarten 4 weeks ago. Lives at home with both parents and one sibling. Safe home environment. No exposure to tobacco smoke or other environmental toxins.
Behavioral History: Poor hand hygiene habits, particularly after toilet use. Frequent nail-biting behavior. Generally cooperative child with normal social interactions.
Dietary History: Normal appetite with age-appropriate diet. No recent dietary changes or food restrictions.
Sleep History: Previously good sleep patterns. Currently experiencing significant sleep disruption due to nighttime itching and discomfort.
Review of Systems: Notable for anal pruritus, sleep disturbances, and constipation. Denies fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or visible parasites.
Objective Data
ROS: (Perform an appropriate ROS based on the C/C and HPI; documented in i-Human assignment; performed in final focused exam)
General: Alert, active 5-year-old male appearing stated age. No acute distress noted during examination. Cooperative with assessment. Normal activity level for age. No fever, weight loss, or failure to thrive.
Skin, Hair and Nails: Fingernails short and somewhat jagged, consistent with nail-biting behavior. No rashes or lesions noted on exposed skin. Skin warm and dry with appropriate turgor.
HEENT: Head normocephalic and atraumatic. Eyes clear with normal pupillary response. Ears without discharge or erythema. Nose patent bilaterally without discharge. Throat pink without exudate. No cervical lymphadenopathy.
Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, non-distended. Bowel sounds present and normal in all quadrants. No masses or organomegaly palpated. No hepatosplenomegaly.
Perianal: Moderate perianal erythema and excoriation consistent with scratching. No visible parasites during examination. No anal fissures or hemorrhoids noted. Area appears inflamed but without signs of secondary bacterial infection.
Genitourinary: External genitalia normal for age and gender. No discharge or inflammation noted.
Musculoskeletal: Normal range of motion. Age-appropriate motor development and coordination.
Neurologic: Alert and oriented. Age-appropriate behavior and social interaction. Normal developmental milestones for chronological age.
Vital Signs:
Temperature: 98.6°F, Pulse: 88, BP: 95/60, Respirations: 22 Height: 42 inches (50th percentile), Weight: 18 kg (25th percentile)
Assessment
General: Well-appearing 5-year-old male with symptoms consistent with parasitic infection. Alert, interactive, and cooperative throughout examination.
Skin, Hair and Nails: Evidence of nail-biting behavior. No secondary skin infections or systemic rashes identified.
HEENT: Within normal limits for age. No signs of systemic infection or illness.
Abdomen: Soft and non-tender with normal bowel sounds. Consistent with constipation history but no acute abdominal pathology.
Perianal: Significant findings include perianal erythema and excoriation consistent with chronic scratching behavior. Appearance highly suggestive of parasitic infection, particularly pinworms.
Genitourinary: Normal external genitalia without signs of secondary infection or irritation.
Neurologic: Age-appropriate development and behavior. Normal cognitive and motor function.
Diagnostic Testing: Scotch tape test positive for pinworm eggs, confirming diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis infection.
Differential Diagnoses
Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis): The patient presents with classic symptoms of pinworm infection including anal pruritus that is worse at nighttime, sleep disturbances, and recent onset in a school-aged child with poor hand hygiene. The positive Scotch tape test confirms this diagnosis. Risk factors include recent school enrollment, poor hand hygiene, and nail-biting behavior.
Contact Dermatitis: The patient’s mother reports recent introduction of new bubble bath soap and laundry detergent. Contact dermatitis could cause anal irritation and itching. However, the timing, severity, and characteristic nighttime worsening make this less likely as the primary diagnosis.
Bacterial Dermatitis: Secondary bacterial infection could develop from chronic scratching and poor hygiene. While some perianal irritation is present, there are no signs of purulent discharge, warmth, or systemic infection that would suggest primary bacterial etiology.
Functional Constipation: The patient has a history of constipation with recent worsening. Hard stools could cause anal irritation and itching. However, the severity and timing of symptoms, along with positive diagnostic testing, support parasitic infection as the primary cause.
Most Likely Diagnosis: Pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis) evidenced by classic presentation of anal pruritus worse at night, sleep disturbances, positive Scotch tape test, and epidemiological risk factors including school attendance and poor hand hygiene.
Plan
Health Promotion: (appropriate screening, disease prevention, and health promotion according to the patient’s age, gender, and identified risk factors)
✓ Well-Child Care – Continue routine pediatric visits for growth monitoring, developmental assessment, and immunizations per CDC schedule.
✓ Hygiene Education – Comprehensive education for patient and family regarding proper hand hygiene, particularly after toilet use and before meals.
✓ Nail Care – Keep fingernails short and clean. Address nail-biting behavior through behavioral modification techniques.
✓ Sleep Hygiene – Establish good sleep routines once infection is treated to restore normal sleep patterns.
Screening
✓ Developmental Screening – Continue age-appropriate developmental milestone assessments during routine visits.
✓ Vision and Hearing – Age-appropriate sensory screening as recommended for 5-year-old children.
✓ Dental Health – Regular dental visits and oral hygiene education.
Immunizations
✓ Routine Childhood Vaccines – Ensure up-to-date status on all recommended vaccines per CDC childhood immunization schedule.
✓ Annual Influenza Vaccine – Recommended for all children over 6 months of age.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Adam Barnes iHuman Case Study
Completing the Adam Barnes iHuman case requires a systematic approach focused on pediatric assessment and common childhood infections. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each section of the simulation, providing specific strategies and key points to ensure you achieve the required 70% score.
Step 1: Pre-Case Preparation and Initial Approach
Before diving into the case, take a moment to review the doorway information and formulate your initial clinical approach.
Key Information to Note:
- 5-year-old male with “bottom itches”
- 4-week duration of symptoms
- Consider common pediatric conditions: pinworms, contact dermatitis, poor hygiene
Initial Clinical Mindset: Approach this case with parasitic infections as your primary consideration. The age, symptom description, and school setting immediately suggest potential pinworm infection, making this a high-priority assessment requiring systematic pediatric evaluation.
Step 2: Conducting the History of Present Illness (HPI)
The HPI is crucial for establishing the foundation of your diagnosis. Use the OLDCARTS method systematically while keeping pediatric considerations in mind:
Onset: Ask about when the itching started and any precipitating factors
- Key points to elicit: Started 4 weeks ago, coinciding with school enrollment
Location: Determine the exact location of itching
- Target response: Anal and perianal area specifically
Duration: How long do episodes last and pattern of symptoms
- Important detail: Persistent itching, worse at night
Character: Detailed description of the itching sensation
- Critical descriptor: Intense anal pruritus disrupting sleep
Aggravating factors: What makes it worse
- Essential findings: Nighttime, after bowel movements
Relieving factors: What provides relief
- Key response: Minimal relief with scratching (which worsens the problem)
Timing: Pattern and frequency
- Important pattern: Worse at night when pinworms lay eggs
Severity: Impact on daily activities and sleep
- Typical response: Significant sleep disruption, multiple nighttime awakenings
Associated Symptoms:
- Ask specifically about: sleep disturbances, anal leakage, bowel habit changes, visible worms
- Key finding: Constipation, nighttime leakage requiring pull-ups
Step 3: Review of Systems (ROS)
Conduct a thorough but focused ROS, paying special attention to gastrointestinal and behavioral systems:
Gastrointestinal:
- Bowel movement frequency and consistency
- Abdominal pain or nausea
- Appetite changes
- Visible parasites in stool or underwear
Genitourinary:
- Urinary symptoms (pinworms can cause UTIs in girls)
- Bedwetting or changes in potty training
Behavioral/Sleep:
- Sleep pattern disruption
- Irritability or mood changes
- School performance issues
General:
- Fever, weight loss, or failure to thrive
- Energy levels and activity
Step 4: Past Medical History, Social History, and Family History
Past Medical History:
- Previous episodes of pinworms or other parasitic infections
- History of constipation or gastrointestinal issues
- Recent illnesses or antibiotic use
- Developmental history and milestones
Social History:
- School or daycare attendance (critical risk factor)
- Number of siblings and their health status
- Living arrangements and household hygiene practices
- Recent travel or camping
Family History:
- Current symptoms in other family members
- History of parasitic infections in the household
- Pets in the home (though pets don’t carry human pinworms)
Behavioral History:
- Hand hygiene practices
- Nail-biting or thumb-sucking habits
- Toilet training status and independence
Step 5: Physical Examination Strategy
Perform a comprehensive pediatric-focused physical exam:
Vital Signs:
- Expected findings: Normal vital signs for age
- Note: Growth parameters should be within normal limits
General Appearance:
- Assessment of overall health and development
- Activity level and interaction with examiner
- Signs of sleep deprivation or irritability
Perianal Examination:
- Critical component: Visual inspection of perianal area
- Look for: Erythema, excoriation from scratching, visible worms
- Timing: Best performed in evening/night for visible worms
Abdominal Examination:
- Palpation for masses or tenderness
- Assessment of bowel sounds
- Signs of constipation or obstruction
Additional Key Exams:
- Fingernail examination: Length, cleanliness, signs of nail-biting
- Skin examination: Secondary infections from scratching
- Lymph node assessment: Rule out systemic infection
Step 6: Developing Differential Diagnoses
Propose at least 3-4 appropriate differentials with rationales:
Primary Consideration: Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
- Supporting evidence: Classic nighttime anal itching, school-age child, poor hand hygiene, positive risk factors
Secondary Considerations:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Rationale to consider: New bubble bath and laundry detergent
- Rationale to exclude: Timing and severity of symptoms, positive diagnostic testing
- Bacterial Dermatitis
- Rationale to consider: Poor hygiene and scratching could lead to secondary infection
- Less likely: No signs of purulent infection or systemic symptoms
- Functional Constipation with Anal Irritation
- Rationale: History of constipation, hard stools can cause irritation
- Less likely: Severity and timing of symptoms don’t match constipation alone
Step 7: Diagnostic Test Interpretation
Interpret provided test results to support your diagnosis:
Expected Key Findings:
- Scotch Tape Test: Positive for pinworm eggs (pathognomonic)
- Stool Examination: May be normal (pinworms don’t typically shed eggs in stool)
- Complete Blood Count: Usually normal (eosinophilia uncommon)
Clinical Correlation: Use positive Scotch tape test to confirm pinworm diagnosis and rule out other parasitic infections.
Step 8: Final Diagnosis and Most Significant Active Problem (MSAP)
Primary Diagnosis: Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
Justification:
- Classic presentation of anal pruritus worse at night
- School-age child with appropriate risk factors
- Poor hand hygiene and nail-biting behavior
- Positive Scotch tape test confirming diagnosis
- Epidemiological factors (school enrollment, group setting)
MSAP Selection: Choose “Pinworm Infection” as your Most Significant Active Problem, as this represents the primary condition requiring immediate treatment and family education.
Step 9: Comprehensive Management Plan
Develop a multi-faceted treatment approach:
Immediate Management:
- Pharmacological Treatment: Mebendazole 100mg single dose, repeat in 2 weeks
- Alternative Options: Pyrantel pamoate or albendazole based on age and contraindications
Family and Household Management:
- Treat All Household Members: Simultaneous treatment regardless of symptoms
- Environmental Measures: Hot water washing of bedding, clothing, and underwear
Hygiene Education:
- Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing after toilet use and before meals
- Nail Care: Keep fingernails short and clean, address nail-biting behavior
- Bathing: Daily morning showers to remove eggs laid overnight
School and Community Measures:
- School Notification: Inform school for appropriate precautions
- Return to School: Can return immediately after first dose of medication
Follow-up Plan:
- Return Visit: 2 weeks to assess treatment effectiveness
- Repeat Testing: Consider repeat Scotch tape test if symptoms persist
- Family Assessment: Evaluate other household members for symptoms
Step 10: Documentation and Submission Tips
Writing Your Summary:
- Create a concise 350-word summary explaining your clinical reasoning for pediatric patients
- Include how you arrived at the problem list with consideration of developmental factors
- Cite specific assessment findings and diagnostic test correlations
- Use professional medical terminology appropriate for pediatric care
Key Documentation Elements:
- Assessment Statement: Brief patient summary with age-appropriate findings
- Clinical Reasoning: Explain diagnostic thought process for parasitic infections
- Evidence Correlation: Link physical findings to diagnostic test results
- Management Rationale: Justify treatment choices and family education
Final Submission Checklist:
- ✓ Complete pediatric history with age-appropriate questioning
- ✓ Comprehensive physical exam including perianal assessment
- ✓ Appropriate differential diagnoses with pediatric considerations
- ✓ Correct final diagnosis and MSAP
- ✓ Evidence-based management plan including family treatment
- ✓ Professional documentation with proper citations
Adam Barnes iHuman Case Summary
Grading Criteria: The Adam Barnes iHuman case will evaluate you across several critical domains to ensure comprehensive pediatric assessment skills. Here’s what you need to focus on to maximize your score:
(1) History Taking (Major Points): You must ask targeted questions about anal itching characteristics and pediatric-specific factors to get full credit. Essential questions include: timing of symptoms (nighttime vs. daytime), sleep disruption patterns, recent school enrollment, hand hygiene practices, nail-biting behavior, and bowel habit changes. Don’t miss asking about: household members with similar symptoms, recent environmental changes (soaps, detergents), and visible worms in underwear or stool. The rubric specifically rewards students who ask about behavioral risk factors and school attendance patterns.
(2) Physical Examination (High Weight): Focus your exam on age-appropriate techniques and perianal assessment. Must-do components: vital signs with growth parameters, general appearance and developmental assessment, abdominal examination, and careful perianal inspection. Pro tip: The rubric awards points for examining fingernails for length and cleanliness – many students forget this key component that relates directly to transmission patterns.
(3) Differential Diagnosis (Critical for Scoring): You need to propose at least 3 appropriate differentials with brief rationales. Expected differentials include: pinworm infection, contact dermatitis, bacterial dermatitis, and functional constipation. Scoring secret: The rubric rewards students who can distinguish between parasitic infections and other causes of anal itching based on timing patterns and risk factors.
(4) Final Diagnosis & MSAP: You must correctly identify pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis) as your Most Significant Active Problem (MSAP). Justification is key – cite the nighttime timing, school-age presentation, and positive diagnostic testing as supporting evidence.
(5) Management Plan (Heavily Weighted): The rubric expects comprehensive management including: appropriate medication dosing for pediatric patients, family treatment protocols, hygiene education measures, and school notification procedures. High-scoring responses mention: the need for household treatment, environmental cleaning measures, and specific follow-up timing.
(6) Patient and Family Communication: Demonstrate age-appropriate communication and family education. Bonus points for: explaining the condition in terms parents can understand, providing specific hygiene instructions, discussing prevention strategies, and addressing school-related concerns.

Example of a High-Scoring Clinical Summary
Here’s how a top-performing student might document this case:
Patient Summary – Adam Barnes
Situation: 5-year-old African American male presenting with 4-week history of progressive anal pruritus with classic characteristics of parasitic infection.
Background: Significant risk factors including recent school enrollment, poor hand hygiene practices, nail-biting behavior, and group childcare setting exposure. Recent environmental changes include new personal care products and decreased bowel movement frequency coinciding with school start.
Assessment: Physical examination notable for perianal erythema and excoriation consistent with chronic scratching. Scotch tape test positive for pinworm eggs, confirming diagnosis.
Primary Diagnosis: Pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis).
Recommendation:
- Initiate mebendazole 100mg single dose with repeat dosing in 2 weeks
- Treat all household members simultaneously regardless of symptoms
- Comprehensive hygiene education focusing on handwashing and nail care
- Environmental measures including hot water washing of bedding and clothing
- School notification for appropriate precautions and prevention measures
- Follow-up in 2 weeks to assess treatment effectiveness and ensure resolution
Patient and Family Education Provided: Explained pinworm infection transmission, emphasized importance of medication compliance for all family members, demonstrated proper handwashing technique, provided specific instructions for environmental cleaning, and discussed prevention strategies to avoid reinfection.
Conclusion
By following this comprehensive approach to the Adam Barnes case, you’ll demonstrate the pediatric assessment skills that iHuman evaluates. Remember, success in pediatric cases requires understanding developmental considerations: gather detailed history about behavioral risk factors, perform age-appropriate physical examination techniques, consider common childhood conditions in your differentials, and develop family-centered management plans. The key is treating each iHuman simulation as you would a real pediatric patient encounter – be thorough, consider developmental factors, and always prioritize patient and family education. With this guide, you’re well-prepared to excel in this common but important pediatric case simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the correct diagnosis for Adam Barnes’s anal itching?
Adam Barnes’s primary diagnosis is pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis). The key distinguishing features that point to pinworms include the characteristic nighttime anal pruritus, sleep disturbances, school-age presentation with recent enrollment, poor hand hygiene practices, and nail-biting behavior. Students often struggle between pinworms and contact dermatitis, but remember that pinworm symptoms have a distinctive nighttime pattern when female worms migrate to lay eggs, whereas contact dermatitis typically causes consistent irritation regardless of time of day.
Q2: What are the critical physical exam components I need to perform to score well?
Essential physical exam elements include measuring vital signs with growth parameters, assessing general appearance and developmental appropriateness, performing comprehensive abdominal examination, and conducting careful perianal inspection for erythema and excoriation. Many students miss points by skipping the fingernail examination, which is crucial for evaluating nail-biting behavior and potential egg transmission. Don’t forget to assess for signs of secondary bacterial infection and document any visible evidence of scratching or poor hygiene.
Q3: How do I pass the Adam Barnes case and meet the 70% requirement?
You must score a cumulative 70% on the iHuman assessments to successfully complete the required lab component. To achieve this score, focus on thorough history-taking using age-appropriate questioning techniques, complete all recommended physical exam components with attention to pediatric considerations, propose appropriate differential diagnoses (including pinworms, contact dermatitis, and bacterial infections), and develop a comprehensive management plan that includes family treatment and education. The key is being systematic and remembering that pediatric cases require family-centered care approaches.
Q4: What management interventions should I include in my treatment plan?
The comprehensive management plan should address both immediate treatment and prevention of reinfection. Include appropriate medication dosing (mebendazole 100mg with repeat in 2 weeks), treat all household members simultaneously, provide detailed hygiene education focusing on handwashing and nail care, implement environmental measures including hot water washing of bedding and clothing, notify the school for appropriate precautions, and schedule follow-up care to ensure treatment effectiveness. Students often forget to address the behavioral aspects (nail-biting) and environmental cleaning, which are crucial components for preventing reinfection and can impact your overall score.