NU 352 - Exam 1 - PP 5 (int for Communicable Diseases)

Conjunctivitis ( “Pink Eye”)

• Cause: Viral, bacterial, or allergic (only viral/bacterial are contagious).

• Symptoms: Red eyes, discharge, itching, crusting.

• Complications: Vision loss, spread of infection, outbreaks

Conjunctivitis ( “Pink Eye”) - Nursing Interventions

• Hand hygiene & avoid sharing towels/pillows.

• Administer eye drops/ointment as prescribed.

• Exclude from school/daycare until treatment >24 hrs (bacterial).

• Cool compresses for comfort

Epstein-Barr Virus (Infectious mononucleosis)

• Cause: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), spread via saliva (“kissing disease”).

• Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, splenomegaly.

• Complications: Splenic rupture, hepatitis, chronic fatigue

-Epstein-Barr Virus (Infectious mononucleosis) - NI

• Encourage rest & hydration.

• No contact sports (splenic rupture risk).

• Supportive care: antipyretics, throat comfort (warm saltwater gargles).

• Family teaching: avoid sharing utensils, drinks

Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum Parvovirus B19)

• Cause: Human Parvovirus B19 (virus lives in nose and throat of infected person and spreads through air)

• Symptoms: “Slapped cheek” rash, lacy rash on body, mild fever.

• Complications: Dangerous for pregnant women (can cause fetal hydrops).

Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum Parvovirus B19) - NI

• Supportive care (fluids, fever control).

• Educate families about avoiding exposure in pregnancy.

• Standard precautions

Measles (Rubeola)

• Cause: Morbillivirus, airborne.

• Symptoms: High fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, rash (head -> body).

• Complications: Pneumonia, encephalitis, death

Measles (Rubeola) - NI

• Airborne isolation (N95).

• Hydration, Vitamin A supplementation if ordered.

• Family teaching: MMR vaccination

Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Cause: Coxsackievirus, fecal-oral & droplet.

• Symptoms: Fever, painful mouth ulcers, vesicles on hands/feet, poor appetite.

• Complications: dehydration, nail loss, eczema flares, viral meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis

Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Contact precautions.

• Hydration monitoring (painful swallowing).

• Cool/soft foods.

• Clean toys, surfaces, handwashing education

Mumps

• Cause: Paramyxovirus, droplet.

• Symptoms: Swollen parotid glands, fever, headache.

• Complications: Orchitis, meningitis, hearing loss

Mumps - Ni

• Droplet precautions.

• Pain/fever control, hydration.

• Soft foods for comfort.

• MMR vaccination education

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Cause: RSV virus, droplet/contact.

• Symptoms: Cough, wheezing, nasal flaring, respiratory distress (infants).

• Complications: Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, apnea

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - NI

• Contact/droplet precautions.

• Monitor respiratory status, O2 support if needed.

• Suctioning nasal secretions.

• Encourage fluids.

• High-risk infants: prophylaxis (palivizumab).

Rubella (German Measles)

• Cause: Rubella virus, droplet.

• Symptoms: Mild fever, rash, lymphadenopathy.

• Complications: Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in pregnancy.

Rubella (German Measles) - NI

• Droplet precautions.

• Supportive care (hydration, fever control).

• Emphasize vaccination, especially in women of childbearing age

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Cause: Bordetella pertussis, droplet.

• Symptoms: Paroxysmal coughing -> “whoop,” post-cough vomiting.

• Complications: Pneumonia, seizures, apnea in infants.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Droplet precautions.

• Administer prescribed antibiotics.

• Monitor airway & O2 status.

• Teach importance of DTaP/Tdap boosters

Scarlet Fever

• Cause: Group A Streptococcus (after strep throat).

• Symptoms: Sandpaper-like rash, strawberry tongue, fever, sore throat.

• Complications: Rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis

Scarlet Fever - NI

• Droplet precautions.

• Administer antibiotics (usually penicillin).

• Symptomatic relief: fluids, fever control, throat comfort.

• Family teaching: complete antibiotics to prevent complications.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Cause: Varicella-zoster virus, airborne/contact.

• Symptoms: itchy vesicular rash in crops, fever.

• Complications: Secondary infections, pneumonia, shingles later in life

Varicella (Chickenpox)

•Airborne & contact precautions.

•Skin care: oatmeal baths, mittens, antihistamines.

•Antipyretics (avoid aspirin).

•Varicella vaccination education

Nursing Role in Prevention

-Immunization advocacy (MMR, Varicella, DTaP, Influenza)

-Early recognition & isolation precautions

-Family education on home care & when to seek help

-Reporting notifiable diseases to public health.

summary

-Childhood communicable diseases remain a significant nursing concern

-Nurses protect not only the child, but also families and communities.

-Nursing Interventions: Precautions, supportive care, family education, vaccination promotion.