To assign the proper treatment to the patient, it is necessary to analyze their complaints and symptoms carefully. In this case, specific rash (papules) and fever caused by inflammation can help define the primary nursing diagnoses. Among them are hyperthermia (body temperature’s elevation above the normal limits), violation of the skin’s integrity related to mechanical factors, and risk of infection (high risk of contamination by pathogens) (Nanda, 2020). Other nursing diagnoses can be connected to perceptions, such as disturbed body image related to lesions on the skin, or knowledge, such as deficient knowledge about the condition and treatment needs (Nanda, 2020). All these diagnoses constitute the nature of chickenpox, also known as varicella.
As children are more susceptible to chickenpox than adults, nursing interventions should be adjusted for them. One of them is managing pruritus with cool compresses and regular bathing; warm soaks and oatmeal or cornstarch baths are helpful to minimize itching and provide comfort (Belleza, 2021). However, it is crucial to understand that this measure should be undertaken no sooner as the temperature returns to normal. Another advised nursing intervention is trimming fingernails to reduce scratching (Belleza, 2021). Otherwise, the patient is at risk of getting long-term scars in place of papules. Finally, it is recommended to take some dietary measures and provide a full and unrestricted diet to the child (Belleza, 2021). This is explained by the fact that some patients with varicella have reduced appetite and should be encouraged to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated (Belleza, 2021). All these nursing interventions are aimed at making the patient feel comfortable, eliminating the risk of secondary infection, and promoting the process of healing.
References
Belleza, M. (2021). Chicken pox (Varicella). Nurseslabs. Web.
Nanda nursing diagnosis list (2020). Web.