Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 24
A mother of a 14-year-old client receiving chemotherapy for leukemia calls out to the unit concerning her other child having chickenpox. Which of these actions will the nurse anticipate taking next?
A. Plan to admit the client to a private room in the hospital.
B. Teach the mother about contact and airborne precautions.
C. Educate the mother about the correct use of acyclovir (Zovirax).
D. Administer varicella-zoster immune globulin to the client.
Correct Answer: D. Administer varicella-zoster immune globulin to the client
The development of varicella in high-risk clients can be prevented via administration of varicella-zoster immune globulin prescribed by the physician. Varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) is a scarce blood product that is offered to individuals at high risk of severe chickenpox following an exposure.
Option A: Hospitalization may be required if the child develops a varicella-zoster virus infection. The incidence of varicella was higher in children with leukemia or lymphoma than in children with other types of cancer. Virus reactivation was uncommon and had a benign course. Varicella mortality in these children could be favorably modified through an active immunization of immunocompetent children.
Option B: Contact and airborne precautions will be implemented to prevent the spread of infection to other children if the child develops varicella. Contact Precautions only if Herpes simplex, localized zoster in an immunocompetent host or vaccinia viruses most likely.
Option C: Acyclovir is a medication used in the management and treatment of infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is FDA approved to treat genital herpes and HSV encephalitis. Some off-label uses include cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It is in the antiviral class of medications.