Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

How long after the onset of varicella rash will the child no longer be contagious?

1. When your child no longer has a fever.

2. Three days after the rash started.

3. Six days after lesions appear if they are crusted.

4. When your child's lesions disappear.

The correct answer is: Six days after lesions appear if they are crusted.

The correct answer is based on the infectious period of varicella, commonly known as chickenpox. A child with varicella is typically contagious from about two days before the rash appears until all lesions have crusted over, which typically occurs around six days after the lesions develop. When lesions are crusted, they are no longer considered infectious. This timeframe is critical for preventing the spread of the virus to others, especially susceptible individuals such as those who are immunocompromised or have not had the varicella vaccine. Other options do not accurately reflect the guidelines regarding the contagious period. For instance, the idea that a child is no longer contagious when they no longer have a fever or when the lesions disappear does not account for the contagious nature of the rash itself, which can persist even after fever resolution. Saying that a child is no longer contagious three days after the rash started does not consider the full timeline needed for lesions to crust over, which is essential for confirming that the child can safely interact with others. Therefore, the six-day rule after lesion appearance is the most accurate indicator of when the child is no longer contagious.