A community health nurse is developing an educational program about the communicable disease varicella during childhood. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A) Aspirin can be given to decrease the fever caused by varicella: Aspirin should not be used in children with varicella (chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage. Instead, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended for fever management in these cases.

B) Maintaining a warm environment decreases the eruption of lesions: Maintaining a warm environment does not affect the eruption of varicella lesions and could potentially exacerbate discomfort. A cool environment and loose, comfortable clothing are preferred to help alleviate itching and discomfort.

C) Varicella has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days: The incubation period for varicella is typically 10 to 21 days after exposure. The shorter period of 1 to 3 days is not accurate for varicella and does not reflect the standard incubation period of this disease.

D) An antihistamine can be administered to decrease pruritus: Antihistamines are effective in managing itching (pruritus) associated with varicella lesions. They can help provide relief from the discomfort caused by the rash, making this an appropriate intervention.

A) "Limit fluids that contain electrolytes":
For a client with gastroenteritis, it is crucial to maintain hydration due to the risk of dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. However, fluids containing electrolytes can help replenish lost electrolytes and are beneficial. The instruction to "limit" these fluids might be misunderstood as a need to avoid them, which is not appropriate. The aim should be to encourage adequate hydration with fluids that contain electrolytes.

B) "Eliminate sources of probiotics from the diet":
Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and may be beneficial in managing gastroenteritis. Eliminating probiotics from the diet is not typically recommended and may not support the recovery process.

C) "Take docusate sodium twice daily":
Docusate sodium is a stool softener, generally used to relieve constipation. In the context of gastroenteritis, which typically involves diarrhea, this medication is not appropriate and could worsen the condition.

D) "Avoid foods high in simple sugars":
Foods high in simple sugars can exacerbate diarrhea by increasing osmotic load in the intestines, leading to more water being drawn into the gut. Avoiding these foods can help manage and reduce symptoms of gastroenteritis.