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Varicella is an acute infectious disease; it is caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is a DNA virus that is a member of the herpesvirus group. What is Chicken Pox?Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
PathophysiologyChickenpox is usually acquired by the inhalation of airborne respiratory droplets from an infected host.
Statistics and IncidencesChickenpox is a common disease, with most cases occurring in the pediatric population.
CausesChicken pox is a common childhood disease caused by:
Clinical ManifestationsChickenpox infection appears 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts about five to 10 days.
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsHealth care providers could readily diagnose varicella by doing a clinical assessment.
Medical ManagementPrimary varicella infection in the healthy child is a rather benign disease that requires symptomatic therapy only. Pharmacologic TherapyThe symptoms of chickenpox in the pediatric population can be treated topically and with oral agents.
Nursing ManagementTreatment approaches include supportive measures, antiviral therapy, administration of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG), and management of secondary bacterial infection. Nursing AssessmentAssessment of a child with chicken pox includes the following:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses are: Nursing Care Planning and GoalsDesired outcomes for a child with chicken pox include:
Nursing InterventionsInterventions for a child with chicken pox include:
EvaluationAll goals are met as evidenced by:
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation for a child with chicken pox includes:
Practice Quiz: Chicken PoxHere’s a 5-item quiz about the study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. At which of the following ages would the nurse expect to administer the varicella zoster vaccine to a child? A. At birth. B. 2 months. C. 6 months. D. 12 months. 1. Answer: D. 12 months. The varicella zoster vaccine (VZV) is a live vaccine given after age 12 months.
2. The nurse manager is planning the clinical assignments for the day. Which staff members can be assigned to care for a client with herpes zoster? Select all that apply A. The nurse who never had German Measles. B. The nurse who never received the varicella zoster vaccine. C. The nurse who never had mumps. D. The nurse who never had roseola. E. The nurse who never had chicken pox. 2. Answer: A. The nurse who never had German Measles, C. The nurse who never had mumps, D. The nurse who never had roseola. Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the causative virus for chicken pox.
3. While working in a pediatric clinic, you receive a telephone call from the parent of a 10-year-old who is receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. The client’s sibling has chickenpox. Which of these actions will you anticipate taking next? A. Teach the parents regarding contact and airborne precaution. B. Administer varicella-zoster immune globulin to the client. C. Prepare the client for admission to a private room in the hospital. D. Educate the parent about the correct use of acyclovir (Zovirax). 3. Answer: B. Administer varicella-zoster immune globulin to the client. Varicella-zoster immune globulin administration can prevent the development of chickenpox in high-risk clients and will typically be prescribed.
4. The client with varicella will most likely have an order for which category of medication? A. Antibiotics. B. Antipyretics. C. Antivirals. D. Anticoagulants. 4. Answer: C. Antivirals. Varicella is chicken pox. This herpes virus is treated with antiviral medications.
5. Which of the following treatment measures should be implemented for a child with leukemia who has been exposed to the chickenpox? A. No treatment is indicated. B. Acyclovir (Zovirax) should be started on exposure. C. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) should be given with the evidence of disease. D. VZIG should be given within 72 hours of exposure. 5. Answer: D. VZIG should be given within 72 hours of exposure. Varicella is a lethal organism to a child with leukemia. VZIG, given within 72 hours, may favorably alter the course of the disease.
For which age group would the nurse recommend that parents teach their children to safely cross roads and walk in parking lots?Terms in this set (6) A nurse educates a group of parents about how to teach their children to safely cross roads and walk in parking lots. Which age group of the children is the nurse referring? RATIONALE: Preschoolers should be taught how to cross roads and walk in parking lots.
Which toys would the nurse suggest to the parent of a 4 month old?What toys should a nurse suggest to the parent of a 4-month-old infant to help promote the child's growth and development? Soft, noisy squeeze toys are appropriate for a 4-month-old; the infant enjoys squeezing and hearing the squeak.
Which are the characteristics of reactions associated with immunizations for a 2 month old infant?After vaccinations, it's common for a baby to experience a minor reaction such as redness at the injection site, a mild fever, fussiness, or a slight loss of appetite. "These are actually encouraging signs that the immune response is working," Stinchfield says.
Which is a complication that may develop in the child with hypospadias?Fistula. After hypospadias and/or chordee surgery, your child may experience a leak of urine from somewhere in the new urethra. This is called a fistula. If your child's repair was simple, the risk of fistula is low; however, more complex repairs carry a higher risk of fistula.
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