What advice should the nurse give to parents treating their child with mebendazole for pinworms?

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic agent commonly used to treat infections caused by pinworms, and it is recommended to be administered with food to enhance its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. When given with food, particularly fatty food, the bioavailability of mebendazole increases, allowing the medication to be more effective in treating the infection. This helps to ensure that the medication can adequately reach the intestines where the pinworms reside, increasing the likelihood of successfully eliminating the parasites.

By advising parents to give mebendazole with food, the nurse is ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness of the treatment, which is particularly important when addressing parasitic infections.