CHICKENPOX

Prepared by Albert M Terbio SN3

Definition

Highly contagious disease caused by

herpes virus varicella, characterized by

vesicular eruptions on the skin and mucous

membranes usually with mild constitutional manifestations.

Etiology/Causative Agent - Human (alpha) herpes virus 3 (varicella-zoster virus) Incubational Period - 2-3 weeks, commonly 13 to 17 days Period of communicability - Not more than one day before and more than 6 days after appearance of the first crop of vesicles.

Dx Test & Nursing Preparations

- Reviewing of past medical history

1) Place the patient in a comfortable position 2) Establish Rapport 3) Ask questions related to past signs and symptoms

of chickenpox or whether they had it before

Immunofluorescence Assay

1) Obtain consent to conduct the procedure

2) Prepare container for the specimen

(syringe)
3) Use asepsis techniques when collecting

the specimen

 Determination of V-Z virus through Electron Microscopic examination of vesicular fluid 1) Obtain consent to conduct the procedure

2) Prepare container for the specimen (syringe)

3) Use asepsis techniques when collecting the

specimen

Treatment (medical) - Oral acyclovir 800 mg 3x a day for five days must

also be given for initial treatment

- Oral antihistamine can be taken to symptomatic pruritus, itching. - Calamine lotion will ease itchiness - Antipyretics for fever.

Nursing Care - Prevention of secondary infection of the skin lesions through hygienic care of the patient

- Attention should be given to

nasopharyngeal discharges and disinfection

of cloths and linen by sunlight or boiling

- Cut fingernails short and wash hands more often in order to minimize bacterial infections; may be introduced by scratching - Calamine lotion over rashes

- Antipyretics for fever

- Isolation of patient; cannot be confined

in general hospital; isolated until all lesions

have become encrusted.

Dietary Treatment

- Chicken Pox Diet - foods rich in water, so

that the body can easily digest them and absorb the nutrients. For example, fruits and vegetables, such as: watermelon, kiwi, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes etc. For fluids,

water and natural juices such as oranges juices

are recommended.

QUIZ
1. Rabang, a 7 year old girl was diagnosed with chicken pox, the mother would like to know when would her daughter become contagious so that she can have her other children infected early. The correct states: A. 2 to 6 days after appearance of rashes or blisters B. 1 to 6 days after appearance of blisters or rashes C. 1 to 6 days prior to appearance of blisters or rashes D. 2 to 6 days prior to appearance of rashes or blisters

2. Rabang

was prescribed some antipyretic

medication, the mother ask what it was use for.

The nurse correctly states: A. its for pryteicosis B. used to treat fever C. to stop the itching

D. to reduce the boils

3.

The nurse notices that Rabang has longer

finger nails . The nurse advices the mother to:

A. have the child wear gloves B. have the child bite her finger nails off C. cut and shorten the finger nails D. let them be, long nails look good

4. What is the causative agent of Chick

pox?

5. What is the incubational period of

Chicken pox?

Thank you