The public health nurse is investigating a report of several chickenpox (varicella virus) cases at a daycare center.
The daycare worker mentions that five children have been sent home over the past two weeks with fever and itchy blisters.
What should be the nurse’s initial action?
Report the presence of a viral endemic at the daycare center.
Confirm the number of children exhibiting symptoms.
Verify that the children sent home did indeed develop chickenpox.
Determine the number of people potentially exposed.
The Correct Answer is C
Answer and explanation The correct answer is C. Choice A rationale
Reporting the presence of a viral endemic at the daycare center would be premature without first confirming the diagnosis of the children sent home.
Choice B rationale
While confirming the number of children exhibiting symptoms is important, it is more crucial to first verify that the children sent home did indeed develop chickenpox.
Choice C rationale
The nurse’s initial action should be to verify that the children sent home did indeed develop chickenpox. This is because chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella- zoster virus. Early identification and confirmation of the disease can help in implementing appropriate control measures to prevent further spread.
Choice D rationale
Determining the number of people potentially exposed is an important step in managing a chickenpox outbreak. However, this should be done after confirming the diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the child's medical history for any allergies or sensitivities is always a good practice during a routine check-up³?³?³?³?. However, in this case, the child's symptoms of difficulty focusing in school and decreased appetite may not necessarily be related to allergies or sensitivities. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions, including emotional distress, sleep disorders, or other health issues²².
Choice B rationale
Examining the child's torso and arms for any signs of physical trauma is an important step if there is suspicion of physical abuse³?[^40^]?¹?². However, the symptoms described by the mother do not necessarily suggest physical trauma. Therefore, while a physical examination is part of a routine check-up, it may not directly address the child's reported symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Permethrin is a medication used to treat scabies and lice¹³¹?. There is no indication in the scenario provided that the child has these conditions. Therefore, advising the parents to initiate treatment with permethrin would not be appropriate based on the information given.
Choice D rationale
Given the child's symptoms of difficulty focusing in school and decreased appetite, it would be appropriate to recommend the parents to seek further medical evaluation for the child²?²?²?. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions, including emotional distress, sleep disorders, or other health issues, which would require further investigation²².
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the child's medical records for a list of allergies or sensitivities is always a good practice during a routine check-up³?³?³?³?. However, in this case, the brownish thickening on the neck of the child may not necessarily be related to allergies or sensitivities. This symptom could be indicative of various conditions, which would require further medical evaluation.
Choice B rationale
Inspecting the child's torso and arms for other signs of physical injury is an important step if there is suspicion of physical abuse³?[^40^]?¹?². However, the symptom described by the nurse does not necessarily suggest physical trauma. Therefore, while a physical examination is part of a routine check-up, it may not directly address the child's reported symptom.
Choice C rationale
Permethrin is a medication used to treat scabies and lice¹³¹?. There is no indication in the scenario provided that the child has these conditions. Therefore, advising the parents to start treatment with permethrin would not be appropriate based on the information given.
Choice D rationale
Given the observation of a brownish thickening on the neck of the child, it would be appropriate to recommend the parents to seek further medical evaluation for the child²?²?²?. This symptom could be indicative of various conditions, which would require further investigation.
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