Communicable Diseases: Chicken Pox (Varicella) PDF

Communicable Diseases Chicken Pox (Varicella) Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease transmitted through the air, direct contact, and through contaminated objects. Contracting chickenpox during pregnancy can possibly cause birth defects or a life-threatening illness....

Communicable Diseases Chicken Pox (Varicella) Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease transmitted through the air, direct contact, and through contaminated objects. Contracting chickenpox during pregnancy can possibly cause birth defects or a life-threatening illness. Clinical Manifestations 24 hours of low-grade fever malaise anorexia pruritic rash to face, trunk, extremities rash appears as papules (raised red/pink bumps), then forms into vesicles (small-fluid filled blisters), then the blisters break and leak and form crusts and scabs typically lasts about a week Therapeutic Management antipruritic or antihistamine medications for itching acetaminophen for discomfort or fever Nursing Management For hospitalization, implement airborne contact precautions until lesions are crusted.Educate parents about home care.Isolate ill child from children at high risk and unvaccinated individuals until lesions are crusted. Encourage skin care. apply pressure on itchy areas rather than scratching smooth and shorten nails place mittens on young children bathe daily without soap Dress in lightweight, loose clothing to keep cool. Encourage child to drink fluids. Isolation Precautions Airborne and Contact