A nurse is caring for a child who has chickenpox. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection because it removes or kills microorganisms that may be present on the hands and prevents their transmission to others.

Choice B reason: Hand hygiene is required by the hospital policy and accreditation standards, but this is not the primary rationale for hand hygiene. The policy and standards are based on evidence and best practices that support hand hygiene as an infection control measure.

Choice C reason: Hand hygiene is a courtesy to the patient and shows respect, but this is not the main reason for hand hygiene. The main reason is to protect the patient and oneself from infection.

Choice D reason: Hand hygiene is a personal habit that I learned from my parents, but this is not a valid explanation for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is based on scientific principles and guidelines, not personal preferences or traditions.

Choice A reason: This is not a priority intervention. The nurse should encourage oral fluids and soft foods to prevent dehydration and maintain nutrition, but this is not as important as monitoring the child for respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention. The nurse should not administer antitussive medication to a child who has pertussis, because it can suppress the cough reflex and increase the risk of mucus accumulation and airway obstruction.

Choice C reason: This is not a priority intervention. The nurse should provide humidified oxygen via nasal cannula to moisten the airways and ease breathing, but this is not as important as monitoring the child for respiratory distress.

Choice D reason: This is a priority intervention. The nurse should monitor the child for signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis, tachypnea, retractions, or nasal flaring, because pertussis can cause severe coughing spells that can interfere with breathing.