How should a nurse respond to a patient with chickenpox who asks how long they will be contagious?
Understand the Problem
The question asks how a nurse should respond to a patient with chickenpox who wants to know how long they are contagious. We need to identify the correct statement regarding the communicability period of chickenpox.
Answer
The patient is contagious 1-2 days before the rash and until all blisters are crusted over.
A person with chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over, typically 4-7 days after the rash appears.
Answer for screen readers
A person with chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over, typically 4-7 days after the rash appears.
More Information
Communicability may be greater in those who are immunocompromised.
Tips
It is important to avoid exposing non-immune newborns and persons with a weakened immune system.
Sources
- Chickenpox (varicella) - symptoms, treatment, vaccine | healthdirect - healthdirect.gov.au
- Chapter 17: Varicella | Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine ... - CDC - cdc.gov
- Chickenpox | Mass.gov - mass.gov
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