A 6-year-old child presents to the emergency department with… | MyMerci
Safety and Infection Prevention and ControlSIPC
Question
A 6-year-old child presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of high fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash that began on the face and is spreading downward. The nurse suspects measles. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Administer acetaminophen for fever
2Place the child in an airborne infection isolation room✓ Correct answer
3Notify the local health department
4Collect a nasopharyngeal swab for measles PCR
Explanation
The child has suspected measles, a highly contagious airborne disease. The priority is to immediately place the child in an airborne infection isolation room to prevent transmission to others. Administering acetaminophen, notifying the health department, and collecting a specimen are important but should follow the implementation of appropriate isolation precautions. Staff must also use respiratory protection when caring for the child.