Chicken Pox

Question 1

What is chicken pox?

Answer 1

Chickenpox is an extremely contagious illness triggered by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

Question 2

Etiology?

Answer 2

Chickenpox is attributed to the varicella-zoster virus

Question 3

Incubation Period:

Answer 3

The typical incubation period for varicella is between 14 to 16 days following exposure to a varicella.

Question 4

Communicability Period:

Answer 4

Someone infected with varicella is contagious from one to two days

Question 5

Mode of Transmission:

Answer 5

Chickenpox spreads through direct contact with the blisters, saliva, or mucus of an infected person

Question 6

Assessment (signs & symptoms):

Answer 6

● Rash
● Tiredness
● Loss of appetite
● Headache

Question 7

Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests:

Answer 7

● IgM serologic testing
● Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Question 8

Nursing Management:

Answer 8

● Isolation precautions
● Fluid intake encouragement

Question 9

Medical Treatment:

Answer 9

● acyclovir
● diphenhydramine
● ibuprofen

Question 10

Prevention:

Answer 10

● Varicella vaccine
● Avoiding close contact with infected
● Practicing good hand hygiene

Question 11

Complications:

Answer 11

● Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs.
● Encephalitis
● Hemorrhagic complications