What physical sign would the nurse most likely assess in a child suspected of having head lice?

In a child suspected of having head lice, the most notable physical sign would be the presence of white spots, or nits, attached to the bases of hair shafts. These nits are the eggs laid by adult lice and are typically oval in shape and often appear white or yellowish. The nits are firmly attached to the hair strands, making them distinct from dandruff or other debris that can be easily brushed off.

Identifying these nits is crucial in diagnosing a lice infestation because they indicate that lice are present and that there is a lifecycle associated with the infestation. Each nit takes several days to hatch, meaning an infestation will persist if left untreated. Recognizing these eggs is often one of the first steps in assessing and confirming the presence of head lice in a pediatric patient.

While other options may relate to different dermatological conditions or infestations, none are specifically indicative of head lice. The presence of nits directly correlates with an active lice infestation, making it the key sign for nurses and caregivers to observe.