Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Signs and Symptoms

Nasal congestion

Nonproductive cough

Sneezing

Watery eyes

Low-grade fever

Severe, irritable coughing spasms

Whooping sound on inspiration

Test Results

Culture and sensitive test: Identified B. pertussis,B. parapertussis,or

B. bronchiseptica

Treatment

Administer erythromycin for 14 days to kill the bacteria.

Administer erythromycin prophylatically to others who have been in

close contact with the patient.

Nursing alert Administer cotrimoxazole (Bactrim) if the child is unable to tolerate

erythromycin.

Nursing Intervention

Provide droplet isolation immediately.

Everyone must wear gowns, masks, and gloves when in contact with the

patient.

Provide a quiet environment to avoid stimulants that might lead to coughing.

Report the diagnoses to local health officials according to policy.

Explain the disorder and treatment to the family and to the patient.

Nursing alert Isolation precautions remain in effect until after day 7 of antibiotic

treatment.

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CHAPTER 14/ Infectious and Communicable Conditions^309

1. A father brought his 7-year-old son to the ED complaining that his son was achy and
   has a slight fever and headaches. He said he was fine 4 weeks ago when they spent time
   in the family’s woodland cabin. What is your best response?
   a. Look for a bull’s-eye rash.
   b. Tell the father that the health-care provider will probably perform tests to determine
   if his son has Lyme disease.
   c. Tell the father that the son probably caught a cold and it will resolve within 10 days.
   d. Place the child in isolation immediately.
   Answer:

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