Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Nursing alert Diagnoses is usually made based on signs and symptoms.

Treatment

Varicella is self-limiting.

Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever.

Administer antipruritic medication for itching.

Nursing Intervention

Place the child on droplet and contact isolation if hospitalized.

Provide oatmeal baths to soothe itching.

Explain the disorder and treatment to the family. Tell the family not to

use over-the-counter locations that contain antihistamines. Lotions such

as calamine lotion and Aveeno are permissible to help soothe itching.

Nursing alert The patient is contagious beginning 5 days before a rash appears

and until all lesions are crusted over.

Anaphylaxis

What Went Wrong?

Anaphylaxis is the dilating of capillaries and contracting of smooth muscles

in the respiratory tract caused by the release of histamines in response to an

allergenresulting in respiratory distress, hives (urticaria), and edema.

Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath due to swelling of the larynx

Hypotension and shock due to generalized vasodilation

Sneezing due to an allergen

Anxiety secondary to difficulty in breathing

Rales (crackles) heard in the lungs due to fluid in the lungs

Wheezing (rhonchi) due to bronchospasm

Test Results

Serum: Elevated tryptase levels from mast cells

Treatment

 Administer emergency medications:

• Epinephrine to open airways and to reduce bronchospasm


• Corticosteroids to reduce symptoms


• Antihistamines to mitigate symptoms

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CHAPTER 14/ Infectious and Communicable Conditions^319