Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
When a hospitalized child develops a rash that covers the trunk and extremities, the nurse notes in the history that the child was exposed to varicella 2 weeks ago. Which nursing intervention has priority?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The child with undiagnosed rash needs to be placed on strict isolation. Varicella causes a profuse rash on the trunk with a sparse rash on the extremities. The incubation period is 14 to 21 days. It is important to prevent the spread of this communicable disease by placing the child in isolation until further diagnosis and treatment are made. None of the other options address the need to prevent the spread of the disease.