The clinic nurse is triaging a client who had visited a smallpox affected community 14 days ago. The client has developed a fever but no rash. Should the nurse consider the client at risk for smallpox?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smallpox can have an incubation period of up to 14 days, during which time the person may not have any symptoms. Symptoms can develop suddenly and include a high fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches before a rash appears. It is possible for a person to have a fever without a rash in the early stages of smallpox, so the nurse should consider the client at risk and take appropriate precautions.

The Clinic Nurse Is Triaging a Client Who Had Visited