Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who has a fever and fluid-filled vesicles on the trunk and extremities. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?

a) Administering acetaminophen.
b) Applying a cool compress to the vesicles.
c) Isolating the child from other patients.
d) Administering antiviral medication.

Answer 1

The priority intervention when caring for a child with fever and fluid-filled vesicles is to isolate the child from other patients to prevent the spread of a potential contagious viral infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who has a fever and fluid-filled vesicles on the trunk and extremities. In this scenario, the nurse should identify isolating the child from other patients as the priority intervention. This is because the symptoms suggest a potential for a contagious viral infection, such as chickenpox or herpes, and isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus to other vulnerable patients. While administering acetaminophen may help reduce fever and applying a cool compress to the vesicles can provide comfort, these actions do not address the immediate risk of transmission. Administering antiviral medication may be a subsequent step following diagnosis and based on the specific viral infection identified.