Chickenpox (Varicella)

• S/S: Red pimple-like spots, starting on trunk and spreading to body; pimples progress to red teardrop blisters and eventually break open and scab over.
• Supportive care, standard precautions.

Croup

• S/S: Gradual onset, usually at night (fall and winter), with low-grade fever, harsh, “barking seal” cough, hoarse voice; Pt may have sore throat or chest discomfort from coughing.
• Avoid examining airway. Cool, nebulized mist, racemic epinephrine, IV fluids, and steroids may be ordered.

Epiglottitis

• S/S: Rapid onset, high-grade fever, inspiratory stridor, muffled voice, difficulty breathing, upright, leaning forward, difficult and painful swallowing, excessive drooling.
• Do not examine airway! Give oxygen, minimize agitation, and be prepared to ventilate with bag valve mask or assist with intubation if airway obstructs.

Gastroenteritis

• S/S: Abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea (may be bloody and contain mucus), nausea and vomiting, fever and dehydration.
• Supportive care, IV fluids and antiemetics as ordered.

Measles (Rubella)

• S/S: Koplik’s spots (small, red spots with bluish white centers), progressing to red, blotchy rash along hairline and behind ears, and rapidly spreading to chest and back and then thighs and feet.
• Supportive care, strict standard and airborne precautions.

Meningitis

• S/S: Stiff neck, headache, high fever, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, lethargy, seizures, rash near axilla, hands and feet, small hemorrhages under skin (petechiae).
• Supportive care, strict standard precautions.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• S/S child <3 yr old: High fever, severe cough, tachypnea, expiratory wheezes, orthopnea.
• S/S child >3 yr old: Congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, headache, general malaise.
• Supportive care, bronchodilators for relieving bronchospasm.