(ATI/HESI MCQ) Which laboratory test is useful in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox?

Choice A rationale:

Stating that "chickenpox is not contagious once the fever is gone" is incorrect information. Chickenpox is still contagious until all the lesions are crusted over.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "You can spread the virus by scratching the lesions" is accurate. Scratching the chickenpox lesions can cause the fluid from the blisters to be released, and this fluid contains the varicella-zoster virus, which can then infect others.

Choice C rationale:

Stating that "chickenpox can only be transmitted through respiratory droplets" is incorrect. While respiratory droplets are a common mode of transmission, direct contact with the fluid from the lesions is also a significant mode of transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Saying that "the virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours" is incorrect. The varicella-zoster virus is relatively fragile and cannot survive for extended periods on surfaces outside the body. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact or respiratory droplets.

Choice A rationale:

Airborne precautions are used for infectious agents that spread through small respiratory droplets and remain suspended in the air for long periods. Shingles is not transmitted through the airborne route.

Choice B rationale:

Droplet precautions are used for infectious agents that spread through large respiratory droplets and have a limited range. Shingles is not transmitted through large respiratory droplets.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct response. Contact precautions are implemented for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) because the virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or lesions.

Choice D rationale:

Standard precautions are used for all patients to prevent the transmission of infections from both recognized and unrecognized sources. However, for specific diseases like shingles, additional precautions like contact precautions are also required.