Question

A nurse is developing an educational program about bioterrorism and smallpox. The teaching should include that the smallpox rash first appears in which locations?

1) Face
2) Posterior shoulders
3) Abdomen
4) Lower extremities

Answer 1

When teaching about smallpox in a bioterrorism educational program, it should be noted that the smallpox rash first appears on the face. It is a sign of the disease caused by the variola major virus and distinguishes it from other diseases like chickenpox, which is more trunk-centered.

Step-by-step explanation:

In developing an educational program about bioterrorism and smallpox, it's important to understand the progression and appearance of the smallpox rash. The smallpox rash is characteristic of the disease caused by the variola major virus and typically first appears on the face. It is transmitted by inhalation of viral particles and, after spreading systemically in the bloodstream, a pustular skin rash develops.

In contrast to chickenpox, which commonly forms pustular lesions centered on the trunk, smallpox lesions appear first on the face and are later seen on other parts of the body, including the extremities. Smallpox was a deadly infectious disease that has now been eradicated due to worldwide vaccination efforts. Therefore, when teaching about smallpox, it is crucial to convey that the rash first appears on the face before progressing to other body parts.