(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 ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs, pain level, and neurological status is important to assess the client's overall condition and response to treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Isolating the patient until all lesions are crusted over is not necessary for shingles, as it is not as highly contagious as chickenpox.
Choice C rationale:
Educating the patient and family about the disease process is essential to help them understand the condition, its course, and the necessary measures for management and prevention of complications.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging oral hygiene and a soft diet is important, especially if the patient has oral lesions, to promote comfort and prevent secondary infections.
Choice E rationale:
Administering medications as prescribed, such as antiviral medications, can help reduce the severity and duration of the shingles outbreak.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The primary infection of VZV occurs through respiratory droplets, not when a person comes into contact with them. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory secretions.
Choice B rationale:
Reactivation of VZV in the nerve cells leads to the onset of shingles, not chickenpox. Chickenpox is the primary infection, and after recovery, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate as shingles later in life.
Choice C rationale:
The incubation period of VZV for chickenpox ranges from 10 to 21 days, which is accurate information.
Choice D rationale:
The risk of transmission during reactivation (shingles) is higher than during primary infection (chickenpox) Shingles can cause the development of vesicles containing the virus, which can be contagious if someone comes into direct contact with the fluid from the vesicles. Primary chickenpox, on the other hand, spreads through respiratory droplets and is more widespread during the initial infection.
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