Community Health Nursing

DISEASE STUDY
By: Mary Josephine M. Briones
BSN-II

Chicken Pox
Chickenpox (also known as varicella), is very contagious caused by
infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). Chicken pox is nothing to worry
about when you are young but it gets more severe when you get older.
After you have chicken pox, the virus still stays in you. Later on this can
cause you to get shingles. Chicken pox is mostly common in young
children under the age 12
Signs and Symptoms
Mild Fever
Headache

Blister filled with

liquid
Red Spot

Sore Throat
Backache
Loss of appetite

CHARACTERISTIC OF CHICKEN POX

The pox are red, itchy that looks like blisters.
It usually shows up on stomach, back and face.
The chicken pox then spreads to mouth, scalp, ears and genitals.
Pathophysiology

New victim

Diagnostic Test

Determination of V-Z virus though Complement Fixation Test

Determination of V-Z virus through Electron Microscopic examination of vesicular

fluid

Medical Management

Zoverax 500mg/tablet, 1 tab 2x a day for seven days must be administered

Oral acyclovir 800 mg 3x a day for five days must also be given

Oral antihistamine can be taken to symptomatic pruritus

Calamine lotion will ease itchiness

Antipyretics for fever.

Nursing Management:
1.

Prevention of secondary infection of the skin lesions through hygienic care of the
patient

2.

Attention should be given to nasopharyngeal discharges and disinfection of cloths and

linen by sunlight or boiling

3.

Cut fingernails short and wash hands more often in order to minimize bacterial
infections; may be introduced by scratching

4.

Calamine lotion over rashes

5.

Antipyretics for fever

6.

Isolation of patient; cannot be confined in general hospital; isolated until all lesions
have become encrusted.

Preventive Measures:
1.

Active immunization with live attenuated varicella vaccine is necessary.

2.

Avoid exposure as much as possible to infected persons.

Measles (Rubeola, 7 Day Measles, Morbilli virus, Red measles)

A highly contagious respiratory infection thats caused by a virus. It causes a totalbody skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. Causative
Agent: Rubeola/measles virus. Mode of Transmission: direct contact with droplets of
infected persons, Airbone infection and using articles freshly soiled with nose and throat
secretions. Incubation Period: 10-12 days.
Signs and symptoms
Pre-eruptive stage
cough

coryza

conjunctivitis

Eruptive stage
Rashes
Elevated papules
Begin on the face, and behind the
ears.

spread to trunk and extremities

stain red to dark brown before
disappearing

 Kopliks spot- whitish/bluish pinpoint patches on the buccal cavity or inner cheeks
opposite to the lower molars.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
PRIMARY VIRAEMIA

Diagnostic Test
If unable to confirm a diagnosis based on observation, the doctor may order a blood test to
check for the measles virus.
Medical Management (Treatment and prevention)

Vitamin A helps reduces eye damage

Aspirin helps reduce inflammation and fever
Antibiotics for complications such as pneumonia
Antipyretics for fever
Immunization with the MMR vaccine

Nursing management
Keep the patient in an adequately ventilated room but free from
drafts and chilling to avoid complications of pneumonia.
Teach, guide and supervise correct technique of giving sponge bath
for comfort of patient.

 Check for corrections of medication and treatment prescribed by

physician.
Increase intake of fluid
Encourage extra rest
Good hygiene

March 6, 2015