A nurse is checking a school-age child for pediculosis capitis. Which of the following findings is a definitive indication of this condition?

Pediculosis capitis, also known as head lice, is a common condition in children. One of the definitive indications of this condition is the presence of firmly attached white particles on the hair, which are the eggs or 'nits'┬Ø of the lice. While itching and scratching of the head can be a symptom of pediculosis capitis, it is not a definitive indication as it can be caused by other conditions such as dandruff or dermatitis. Patchy areas of hair loss are not typically associated with pediculosis capitis. They could indicate a different condition, such as alopecia areata or tinea capitis. Thick yellow-crusted lesions on a red base are not a symptom of pediculosis capitis. This description is more consistent with impetigo, a bacterial skin infection.