Question

A child seen in the clinic is found to have rubeola (measles), and the mother asks the nurse how to care for the child. The nurse tells the mother that she should:

a) Administer aspirin for fever
b) Isolate the child for 24 hours after rash onset
c) Provide vitamin C supplements
d) Use cool compresses for itching

Answer 1

Measles care should include isolation to prevent spread, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever management instead of aspirin, and the use of cool compresses to ease itching. Vitamin C is not specifically recommended for measles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a child with rubeola (measles), it is important to provide supportive care as there is no specific antiviral therapy for this infection. First and foremost, the child should be isolated to prevent spreading the infection to others, ideally for 4 days after the onset of the rash, rather than the 24 hours suggested in the question. Use of aspirin for fever in children is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Instead, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage fever and discomfort under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Cool compresses may be used to alleviate itching, but it is advised to avoid overly cold temperatures, which might cause discomfort for the child. While vitamin C supplements might support overall health, their effect on measles management is not particularly noted.