What should you do if you notice a rash on a child?
Always take rashes seriously. Many look the same but have different causes.
Assess the child for exposure to infectious diseases, medications, and allergies. Report rash to HCP.
How are most childhood infectious diseases prevented?
By getting the child vaccinated.
Memorize the vaccination schedule.
In a child, what are the typical signs and symptoms of infectious diseases?
- fever
- lethargy
- malaise
How are infectious diseases treated if there is no cure?
Provide supportive care until the virus passes:
- antipyretics and analgesics
- fluids
- quiet environment
- isolation from others
What is the priority concern with a child who is immunosuppressed?
To prevent them from getting an infection.
Implement neutropenic precautions.
Describe:
Measles (Rubeola)
An infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted by airborne or direct contact with infectious droplets.
It is preventable by getting the MMR vaccination.
What is the source of infection for Measles (Rubeola)?
- respiratory tract
- blood
- urine
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of Measles (Rubeola)?
- fever, lethargy, malaise
-
The 3 “C’s”
- coryza (inflammation of the mucosa of the nose)
- cough
- conjunctivitis
- A red rash starting on face and going down the body
Interventions:
Measles (Rubeola)
Focus on preventing transmission and supportive measures until the infection passes:
- airborne, droplet, and contact precautions
- quiet activities
- cool mist vaporizer for cough and coryza
Medications:
Measles (Rubeola)
- antipyretics and analgesics: to decrease fever and discomfort
- vitamin A: to prevent reinfection later in life
Describe:
Rubella (German measles)
An infectious disease that is caused by a virus. It is transmitted by droplet or direct contact with infectious droplets.
It is preventable by getting the MMR vaccination.
What is the source of infection for Rubella (German measles)?
- respiratory secretions
- blood
- stool
- urine
- cross the placenta
Signs and symptoms:
Rubella (German measles)
- fever, malaise, and lethargy
- pinkish-red rash that begins on face and spreads to rest of body
Who should be kept away from children with Rubella (German measles)?
Keep pregnant women and pregnant nurses away from children with Rubella (German measles).
The virus can harm the fetus.
Interventions:
Rubella (German measles)
Focus on preventing transmission and supportive measures until the infection passes:
- droplet and contact precautions
- quiet activities
- antipyretics and analgesics: To decrease fever and discomfort
Describe:
Mumps
An infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted by direct contact or infectious droplets.
It is preventable by getting the MMR vaccination.
What is the source of infection for Mumps?
In the saliva and possibly the urine also.
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of mumps?
- fever, malaise, and lethargy
- jaw or ear pain and parotid gland swelling
Interventions:
Mumps
- bed rest until parotid swelling goes down
- give soft foods due to pain
- apply hot or cold therapy to face depending on what the client says feels better
Describe:
Chickenpox (varicella zoster)
An infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is transmitted by airborne, droplet, and contact.
It is preventable by getting the varicella vaccination.
What is the source of infection for varicella (chickenpox)?
In the respiratory secretions and skin lesions.
Signs and symptoms:
Chickenpox (Varicella)
- fever, lethargy, malaise
- macular rash that starts on trunk and moves to face and limbs
How long should the child with Chickenpox (varicella) be kept at home to prevent transmission?
Isolate the child at home until the vesicles have dried.
Medications:
Chickenpox (varicella)
- antivirals
- varicella-zoster immune globulin to exposed family members
Describe:
Pertussis (Whopping cough)
An infectious disease caused by a bacteria. It is transmitted by droplet and contact.
It is preventable by getting the DTaP vaccination.
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of pertussis (Whopping cough)?
- severe cough with “whopping” sound
- cyanosis and respiratory distress
Describe:
Diphtheria
An infectious disease caused by bacteria. It is transmitted by contact and droplet.
It is preventable by getting the DTaP vaccination.
What is the source of infection for diphtheria?
Found in the mouth and nose and possibly on the skin if it’s cutaneous diphtheria.
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of diphtheria?
- fever and lethargy
- purulent nasal discharge
- neck edema, “bull neck”
Interventions:
Diphtheria
- contact and droplet precautions
- diphtheria antitoxin
- possible antibiotics
- possible tracheostomy
Describe:
Mononucleosis
An infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is transmitted by contact.
It is known as the “kissing disease”.
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of mononucleosis?
- extreme lethargy
- enlarged tonsils and sore throat
- enlarged lymph nodes
- spleen can become enlarged
- possible rash
Interventions:
Mononucleosis
There is no curative treatment for mono, it must run its course. Treatment is supportive:
- assess for splenic rupture which would include left-sided abdominal pain and shoulder pain
Describe:
Influenza
An infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted by contact or droplet.
It can be prevented by getting the influenza vaccine (it doesn’t always work though).
Signs and symptoms:
Influenza
- fever and lethargy
- cough and sore throat
- possible vomiting and diarrhea
Interventions:
Influenza
Influenza is not curable, so it must run its course. Treatment is supportive care:
- rest and fluids
- antipyretics
- may get an antiviral
