A nurse is planning care for a child who has varicella.Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is D. Initiate airborne precautions.Choice A rationaleAssessing the oral cavity for Koplik spots is not relevant for varicella. Koplik spots are associated with measles, not varicella. Varicella, also known as chickenpox, typically presents with a rash that starts on the trunk and spreads to the rest of the body, along with other symptoms like fever and malaise.Choice B rationaleAdministering aspirin for fever is contraindicated in children with varicella due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can occur when aspirin is given to children with certain viral infections, including varicella. It can cause swelling in the liver and brain.Choice C rationaleProviding the child with a warm blanket can offer comfort to the child, helping to alleviate chills or discomfort associated with fever. However, it is not a specific intervention for managing varicella. The primary focus should be on preventing the spread of the infection through appropriate precautions.Choice D rationaleInitiating airborne precautions is essential for preventing the spread of varicella. Varicella is transmitted via airborne droplets, and using airborne precautions (such as negative air-flow rooms) helps prevent the spread of the virus to other patients and healthcare workers. If negative air-flow rooms are not available, isolating patients in closed rooms with no contact with people without evidence of immunity is recommended.