Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which intervention should be included in the care plan for a child with varicella?

1. Maintain the child's room temperature at 80° F.

2. Prepare the child for a lumbar puncture.

3. Administer aspirin for a temperature greater than 38.3° C (101° F).

4. Initiate airborne precautions for the child.

The correct answer is: Initiate airborne precautions for the child.

Initiating airborne precautions for a child with varicella is a key component of the care plan because varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. Airborne precautions protect other patients, staff, and visitors from potential exposure to the virus. These precautions typically include placing the child in a private room, ensuring that the door remains closed, and using N95 respirators when entering the room. Maintaining a specific room temperature, preparing for invasive procedures like a lumbar puncture, or administering aspirin are not appropriate measures when caring for a child with varicella due to safety concerns and the nature of the illness. For instance, the use of aspirin is contraindicated in children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. These considerations highlight the importance of implementing airborne precautions to prevent the transmission of the varicella virus.