(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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering the Td vaccine only if the wound is severe is not the correct response. Tetanus prophylaxis is recommended based on wound type and vaccination history, not just the severity of the wound.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct response. Tetanus prophylaxis involves giving Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) for immediate protection against tetanus toxin, along with the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine to promote long-term immunity. The decision to administer TIG and Td vaccine depends on the patient's wound type and their vaccination history.
Choice C rationale:
Tetanus prophylaxis is necessary even if the client received the DTP vaccine in childhood. The immunity from childhood vaccines may wane over time, and tetanus prophylaxis is recommended after potential exposure to the tetanus-causing bacteria.
Choice D rationale:
Giving the Td vaccine every 5 years is not the correct approach. The recommended schedule for Td booster doses is every 10 years, not every 5 years.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Anemia is not a complication typically associated with shingles. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and it primarily affects the nerves and skin, leading to a painful rash.
Choice B rationale:
Migraine headaches are not directly related to shingles. Shingles affects sensory nerves and typically presents with localized pain and a rash along the affected nerve's pathway.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should monitor for postherpetic neuralgia in this client. Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles that involves persistent and severe pain in the area where the rash was present. It occurs due to nerve damage caused by the virus, and the pain can last for weeks to months after the rash has healed.
Choice D rationale:
Asthma is not a complication associated with shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that primarily affects the skin and nerves and does not involve the respiratory system.
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