Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Treatment

Roseola infantum is self-limiting.

Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever.

Administer intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes as ordered.

Nursing Intervention

Monitor vital signs.

Explain the disorder and treatment to the family.

Nursing alert Monitor for febrile seizures.

Rubella

What Went Wrong?

Rubella is a viral infection commonly called German measles and is

caused by the rubella virus that is transmitted by airborne droplets, contact

with contaminated items, or direct contact with an infected person. The incu-

bation period is between 14 and 21 days.

Nursing alert Only the nonpregnant should come in contact with the patient.

Assume that a woman who is of childbearing age is pregnant because a woman

in very early pregnancy may not know she is pregnant. Women of childbearing

age should receive the rubella vaccine.

Signs and Symptoms

Early signs (first 5 days):

• Headache


• Fever


• Sore throat


• Pus containing (purulent) nasal drainage


• Malaise


• Swollen lymph nodes
  Late signs:


• Rash appears first on the face and then spreads to the trunk and legs.


• Forescheimer spots(small red flat spot on the soft palate).

Test Results

Serum: Positive for rubella antibodies

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

Treatment

Rubella is self-limiting.

Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever.

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