Chickenpox Pathochart
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This nursing cheat sheet from NURSING.com covers the essential aspects of chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin, and is contagious until 6 days after the start of the rash or until crusts have formed on all lesions. It spreads through direct contact and airborne routes. After infection, the virus remains dormant and can later reactivate to cause shingles.
The common symptoms include fever, malaise, and small, extremely itchy blisters that go through three stages: papule (small, red, raised), vesicle (fluid trapped under the skin, bubble-like), and crust (scabbed over). The rash is typically profuse on the trunk and sparse on the limbs.
For therapeutic management, isolation and initiating contact and airborne precautions are crucial, especially ensuring no pregnant caregivers are around. To promote skin integrity and prevent secondary infection, cut nails, apply mittens, and use calamine lotion. Medications like Acyclovir (within 24 hours of rash appearance), IVIG for immunocompromised patients, and Diphenhydramine for itching are used. Monitoring for complications is also vital.
Patient education includes understanding that chickenpox is contagious until all vesicles turn into scabs, preventing scratching, and avoiding aspirin due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.