Question

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

a. Abdomen

b. Face

c. Hands

d. Feet

Answer 1

The smallpox rash is expected to first appear on the face.

Step-by-step explanation:

The smallpox rash is expected to first appear on the face.

According to the information provided, smallpox is caused by the variola major virus and is transmitted by inhalation of viral particles shed from lesions in the throat. The virus spreads systemically in the bloodstream and produces a pustular skin rash.

Historical epidemics of smallpox had fatality rates of 50% or greater in susceptible populations, but concerted vaccination efforts led to the eradication of smallpox from the general population in 1977.