# 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?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=505782&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control  
> category: SIPC

## 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?

## Option

1. Administer acetaminophen for fever
2. Place the child in an airborne infection isolation room **✔ Correct answer**
3. Notify the local health department
4. Collect a nasopharyngeal swab for measles PCR

**Correct answer: 2**

## 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.

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