Summary CHILDHOOD COMMUNICABLEAND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

• Incidence has declined with the increase in immunizations • Further decreased with the use of antibiotics and antitoxins • Early identification of the infectious agent • High index of suspicion for common childhood diseases • Primary prevention 5 NursingAssessment in Identification of Infection • Recent exposure to infectious agents • Prodromal symptoms • Immunization history • History of having the disease 6 Prevent Spread of Disease • Primary prevention of disease • Immunization • Control the spread of disease to others • Reduce the risk of cross-transmission of organisms • Infection control policies • Hand washing • Sneeze and cough etiquette • Hygiene measures in home and school 7 Prevent Complications • Children with immunodeficiency • Receiving steroids • Receiving immunosuppressive therapy • Malignancy • Immune disorders • Hemolytic disease, sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia • Lapsed or missed immunizations • Long-term complications from disease • Varicella, pertussis, scarlet fever, diphtheria 8 Nursing Priorities in Care of a Child with a Communicable Disease • Institute isolation precautions • Provide comfort • Ear, nose, and throat symptoms • Urticaria • Fever • Pain • Irritability • Support the family 9 TABLE 6-1 Communicable Diseases of Childhood Disease Clinical Manifest