The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with varicella about the disorder. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the parents state which of the following?

Choice A rationale Applying warm water to pruritic (itchy) skin, especially with a viral exanthem like varicella, can cause vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area, which may intensify the itching sensation rather than providing relief. Cool or tepid baths with oatmeal preparations are generally more soothing because they reduce skin temperature and inflammation, helping to calm the nerve endings responsible for the itch. Choice B rationale Salt solutions, particularly when concentrated, can be irritating and drying to delicate mucous membranes like the oral mucosa, potentially causing pain and delaying the healing of vesicular lesions caused by the varicella virus. Gentle, plain water rinses or non-irritating, topical anesthetic mouthwashes (if prescribed and appropriate for the child's age) are better alternatives for comfort and maintaining oral hygiene. Choice C rationale Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is strictly contraindicated for fever management in children with varicella (chickenpox) or other viral illnesses due to the significant risk of developing Reye syndrome, a rare but severe illness causing acute encephalopathy and liver damage. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen are the standard, safe antipyretic choices for managing fever in children with varicella. Choice D rationale Scratching the varicella lesions must be strictly avoided as it can break the skin barrier, leading to secondary bacterial infections like cellulitis or impetigo, which require antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, excoriation from scratching significantly increases the risk of permanent scarring (pitting) after the lesions have healed, making this a critical instruction for parents.