The nurse is assessing a child admitted with varicella zoster (chickenpox). Which of the following assessment findings would be expected?
The nurse is assessing a child admitted with varicella zoster (chickenpox). Which of the following assessment findings would be expected?
A. linear cracks in the epidermis that extend into the dermis
[2%]
B. painful blisters filled with clear fluid
[64%]
C. nodules filled with either liquid or semisolid material
[18%]
D. elevated, plateau-like patches
[16%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) virus (VZV) is a condition that causes the individual to experience low-grade fever, malaise, and anorexia. Characteristically, the client with VZV develops a papule type of rash that transitions into vesicles filled with clear fluid. Once these vesicles rupture, it causes shallow erosions that start to heal. These vesicles are commonly painful and cause the client intense itching.
Choice A is incorrect. This description does not align with the expected assessment findings for varicella zoster. Chickenpox lesions typically start as small red spots that progress to fluid-filled blisters, rather than linear cracks extending into the dermis.
Choice C is incorrect. Nodules filled with either liquid or semisolid material are characteristic of a lipoma. Chickenpox lesions progress from red spots to fluid-filled blisters, and they do not typically resemble nodules filled with liquid or semisolid material.
Choice D is incorrect. Elevated, plateau-like patches best describe a plaque commonly seen in psoriasis.
Additional Info
✓ The nurse should emphasize strict infection control practices to prevent the spread of the varicella-zoster virus, especially in healthcare settings. This includes ensuring isolation precautions, appropriate hand hygiene, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
✓ The nurse should be aware of potential complications of chickenpox, such as secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They should monitor the lesions for signs of infection and provide appropriate interventions.
✓ Chickenpox lesions can be extremely itchy, leading to scratching and potential secondary infections. The nurse should provide guidance to the child and caregivers on ways to manage the itching, such as using cool compresses, applying calamine lotion, and trimming the child's nails to prevent skin damage.
