peds: infectious disease Flashcards
What causes varicella (chickenpox)?
Viral illness with a 10-21 day incubation period; vaccine-preventable.
What are the symptoms of varicella?
Macules, papules, vesicles appearing in crops (trunk to extremities), pruritic rash, fever.
Who is at risk for varicella?
Unvaccinated individuals.
What are the nursing interventions for varicella?
Airborne and contact precautions, pruritus control, educate on potential shingles reactivation.
What causes rubella (German measles)?
Viral illness with a 14-day incubation period; transmitted through direct and indirect droplet contact.
What are the symptoms of rubella?
Pink-red maculopapular rash (face → trunk → extremities), fever, joint pain.
Who is at risk for rubella?
Unvaccinated individuals, seasonal occurrence in spring.
Why is rubella dangerous in pregnancy?
Can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus.
What are the nursing interventions for rubella?
Droplet precautions for 7 days after rash onset, vaccine education.
What causes erythema infectiosum (Fifth Disease)?
Parvovirus B19, transmitted via respiratory secretions, blood exposure, or vertically in utero.
What are the symptoms of Fifth Disease?
“Slapped cheek” rash, circumoral pallor, self-limiting course.
Who is at risk for Fifth Disease?
Seasonal (late winter to spring).
Why is Fifth Disease dangerous in pregnancy?
Risk of fetal complications.
What are the nursing interventions for Fifth Disease?
Supportive care, droplet precautions.
What causes rubeola (measles)?
Viral illness spread via droplets or airborne transmission; vaccine-preventable.
What are the key symptoms of rubeola?
3 C’s (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis), Koplik spots, maculopapular rash (starts behind ear, spreads downward).
Who is at risk for rubeola?
Unvaccinated individuals, contact with infected persons.
What are the nursing interventions for rubeola?
Early detection, comfort measures, airborne precautions, vaccine education.
What causes infectious mononucleosis?
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), transmitted via saliva, incubation 4-7 weeks.
What are the symptoms of mono?
Fever, cervical adenopathy, pharyngitis with palatal petechiae, hepatosplenomegaly.
Who is at risk for mono?
Adolescents and young adults (15-24 years old).
Why is splenic involvement a concern?
Risk of rupture; no contact sports for 4-6 weeks.
What causes pertussis (whooping cough)?
Bordetella pertussis bacteria; vaccine-preventable (DTaP and Tdap).
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
URI symptoms progressing to paroxysmal cough with inspiratory “whoop,” post-tussive emesis.
Who is at risk for pertussis?
Unvaccinated individuals, infants, close contact with infected persons.
What are the nursing interventions for pertussis?
Vaccine education for parents, caregivers, and visitors of newborns.
What causes impetigo?
Bacterial infection (Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus), direct lesion contact.
What are the symptoms of impetigo?
Honey-colored crusts on the skin.
Who is at risk for impetigo?
Children aged 5-7 years.
What are the nursing interventions for impetigo?
Topical or oral antibiotics, infection control.
What causes pinworms?
Helminthic infection; small white worms live in the cecum, laying eggs in the perianal region.
What are the symptoms of pinworms?
Perianal itching, excoriation, visible eggs in folds of buttocks, nighttime awakening.
Who is at risk for pinworms?
Preschool and school-aged children.
What are the nursing interventions for pinworms?
Infection control, discourage nail biting and thumb sucking, keep nails trimmed.
What causes pediculosis capitis (head lice)?
Parasitic infestation.
What are the symptoms of head lice?
Small white flecks (nits) on hair shaft, extreme pruritus.
Who is at risk for head lice?
School-aged children, local outbreaks.
What are the nursing interventions for head lice?
Infestation control, treatment options, guidelines for returning to school.
