A child who is immunocompromised has a fever and a rash consisting of macules, papules, and pustules. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fever and rash in an immunocompromised child is concerning for disseminated herpes zoster infection which can be severe and life-threatening. Hospitalization for intravenous acyclovir is the appropriate treatment in this case. VariZIG is indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella-zoster virus in high-risk individuals and is not indicated in this case. Intravenous immunoglobulin may be used for certain immunodeficiencies but is not indicated in this case. Oral acyclovir may be appropriate for uncomplicated herpes zoster in immunocompetent individuals but is not appropriate for disseminated herpes zoster infection in an immunocompromised child.

A Child Who Is Immunocompromised Has a Fever and a Rash