Which of the following is a priority intervention to provide comfort for the child with pruritus associated with varicella zoster virus?
Apply a thick coat of calamine lotion over open lesions.
Give diphenhydramine by mouth.
Apply a cool cloth to the rash.
Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While calamine lotion can be soothing and help alleviate itching, applying a thick coat over open lesions is not advisable. It may not allow the skin to breathe and can potentially lead to further irritation or infection. Therefore, while this option has some merit, it is not the priority intervention.
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that can help relieve itching. This option can be beneficial for managing pruritus and may help the child sleep better. However, while it can be useful, there are other interventions that can provide immediate comfort more effectively.
C. Applying a cool cloth to the rash is an immediate and effective way to provide comfort and relieve itching. The coolness can soothe inflamed skin and reduce the urge to scratch, which helps prevent secondary infections.
D. While giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and discomfort associated with varicella, it does not specifically address pruritus. These medications are helpful for pain management but are not the best choice for alleviating itching directly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Edema (swelling due to fluid accumulation) is not a primary manifestation of scabies. While secondary infections can lead to localized swelling, edema is not characteristic of scabies itself.
B. Maceration refers to the softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture. While it can occur if the skin is scratched and becomes wet, it is not a primary clinical manifestation of scabies.
C. Redness (erythema) can occur due to scratching and irritation, but it is not the defining feature of scabies. While some redness may be present, it is not the primary symptom that indicates scabies infestation.
D. The primary clinical manifestation of scabies is intense pruritus (itching), which is often worse at night. The itching is a result of an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste products, leading to discomfort and a strong urge to scratch.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While altered mental status can occur in older adults with pneumonia, especially due to hypoxia or infection, it is often a result of more advanced disease or complications rather than an early symptom. Dehydration can also occur but is not a direct symptom of pneumonia.
B. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is not a common early symptom of pneumonia, especially in older adults. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) may occur, but it generally arises as the pneumonia worsens. These symptoms might not be the first to present.
C. Pleuritic chest pain (pain upon breathing) can be associated with pneumonia but is not necessarily an early symptom, especially in the elderly. Hypertension may be present but is not a hallmark of pneumonia and can vary widely among patients.
D. Fever and chills are common initial symptoms of pneumonia and are part of the body’s response to infection. In elderly patients, fever may sometimes be less pronounced or atypical, but it is still one of the first signs of pneumonia.
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