Question

A child is seen in a health care clinic, and a diagnosis of chickenpox is confirmed. The mother expresses concern for two other children at home and asks the nurse if the child is infectious to the other children. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

a) "The infectious period occurs after the lesions begin."

b) "The infectious period begins with the onset of the rash."

c) "The infectious period is not known, and it is possible that the children may develop the chickenpox within the next 2 weeks."

d) "The infectious period begins 1 to 2 days before the onset of the rash and ends about 5 days after the onset of the lesions and crusting of the lesions."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the mother that the child with chickenpox is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all lesions have scabbed, impacting other children at home.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response by the nurse to the mother's concern about the other children at home possibly getting chickenpox would be d) "The infectious period begins 1 to 2 days before the onset of the rash and ends about 5 days after the onset of the lesions and crusting of the lesions." Individuals with chickenpox are infectious from about 2 days before the rash appears until all lesions have formed scabs. Since chickenpox is highly contagious, there is a substantial risk that the other children at home who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it could become infected during this period.