(Quoted statement) A nurse is educating a client's family about chickenpox. The family asks, "What should we do if the child starts scratching the rash?" Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"You can apply calamine lotion to soothe and dry the lesions.”
"Give the child aspirin to reduce fever and pain.”
"Avoid antiviral drugs to prevent side effects.”
"Let the child play outside to distract from the itching.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should recommend applying calamine lotion to soothe and dry the chickenpox lesions. Calamine lotion has a soothing effect on the skin and can help reduce the itching associated with chickenpox. It also helps to dry out the lesions, which may aid in the healing process. However, it is essential to advise the family not to apply calamine lotion on open sores or areas with broken skin to avoid potential irritation.
Choice B rationale:
Giving aspirin to a child with chickenpox is not recommended. Aspirin has been associated with an increased risk of Reye's syndrome in children with viral infections, including chickenpox. Reye's syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that affects the brain and liver.
Choice C rationale:
Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, are often prescribed for severe cases of chickenpox or for individuals at high risk of complications. These drugs can help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. They are not to be avoided to prevent side effects, as the benefits generally outweigh the potential risks.
Choice D rationale:
Allowing the child to play outside may not be the best approach to distract them from itching. It is crucial to prevent the child from scratching the rash to avoid secondary bacterial infections and scarring. Engaging the child in indoor activities and providing distractions that do not involve scratching would be a safer approach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy. This is a correct statement as vaccination during pregnancy helps provide protection to both the mother and the newborn against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Choice B rationale:
The recommended vaccination schedule for adults includes a single dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine, followed by a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years. Three doses of DTP vaccine during adulthood are not part of the recommended schedule.
Choice C rationale:
Tetanus prophylaxis should be given to patients with all types of wounds, not just severe wounds. This statement is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The Tdap vaccine is not administered every 5 years during adulthood. As mentioned earlier, adults receive a single dose of Tdap and then a Td booster every 10 years.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in various skin conditions, but they are not the best option for managing pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster) Corticosteroids primarily target inflammation and do not provide effective pain relief in neuropathic pain, which is characteristic of shingles.
Choice B rationale:
Antibiotics are not useful for managing the pain caused by shingles. Shingles is a viral infection, not a bacterial one, so antibiotics would not be effective in reducing pain or preventing secondary infection.
Choice C rationale:
Starting antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, within 72 hours of rash onset is essential for managing shingles. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness and may also decrease the risk of developing complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
Choice D rationale:
Topical capsaicin is an appropriate option for neuropathic pain relief in shingles. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, works by desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing pain signals. However, it may cause a burning sensation initially, and the client should be advised on proper application and hand hygiene afterward.
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