Author Question: The single parent of a 3-year-old child who has just been diagnosed with chickenpox tells the nurse ... (Read 78 times)

mia · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The single parent of a 3-year-old child who has just been diagnosed with chickenpox tells the nurse that she cannot afford to stay home with the child and miss work.

The parent asks the nurse if some medication will shorten the course of the illness. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
a. Reassure the parent that it is not necessary to stay home with the child.
b. Explain that no medication will shorten the course of the illness.
c. Explain the advantages of the medication acyclovir (Zovirax) to treat chickenpox.
d. Explain the advantages of the medication VCZ immune globulin (VariZIG) to treat chickenpox.

Question 2

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is given to children with chickenpox to:

a. minimize scarring.
b. decrease the number of lesions.
c. prevent aplastic anemia.
d. prevent spread of the disease.

mmpiza · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Acyclovir is effective in treating the number of lesions; shortening the duration of fever; and decreasing itching, lethargy, and anorexia. It is important the parent stay with the child to monitor fever. Acyclovir lessens the severity of chickenpox. VariZIG is given only to high-risk children.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Acyclovir decreases the number of lesions; shortens duration of fever; and decreases itching, lethargy, and anorexia. Treating pruritus and discouraging itching minimizes scarring. Aplastic anemia is not a complication of chickenpox. Strict isolation until vesicles are dried prevents spread of disease.