Week 5 - Integumentary System

Question 1

List 4 Infection Control Precautions for Varicella

Answer 1

• Isolation
• Airborne and Contact Precautions
• PPE for HealthCare Workers

Question 2

Explain the infection control precautions for varicella. (4 marks)

Answer 2

Isolation:
- Patient in an airborne infection isolation room (negative pressure) to prevent airborne transmission.
Airborne and Contact Precautions:
- Varicella spreads via respiratory droplets and direct contact with vesicle fluid.
PPE:
- Staff must be immune to Varicella and wearing N95 masks, gloves and gowns.

Question 3

Describe signs and symptoms of varicella during the infectious period. (3 marks)

Answer 3

Skin Rash:
- Vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) appear, which progress to putules and then crust over.
Systematic Symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Malaise
Contagious:
- Highly contagious through direct contact (vesicle fluid) and airborne contact (respiratory droplets).

Question 4

Explain the complications of scabies ( 8 marks)

Answer 4

• Secondary bacterial infection due to scratching as the rashes can itchy (intense pruritus)
• Crusted scabies: A severe, highly contagious form with hyperinfestation, especially in immunocompromised, elderly, or Indigenous patients. It presents with scaly, crusted lesions and can be mistaken for eczema or psoriasis.

Question 5

Explain the nursing management of scabies ( 8 marks)

Answer 5

Topical treatment:
- Apply permethrin cream or benzyl benzoate 25%
Environmental cleaning:
- Wash all bed linen, towels, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill mites.
Oral Treatment:
- Ivermectin - May be used if topical treatment is ineffective or not tolerated.

Question 6

Explain the precautions needed for scabies ( 8 marks)

Answer 6

Contact Precautions:
- PPE - Gloves and Gown
Isolation:
- Patient wit crusted scabies to be isolated as it’s contagious