The parent of a 15-month-old calls the nurse and says that the child developed a rash and mild fever after receiving a routine measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine in the pediatric clinic 5 days ago. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some children have a mild reaction to the MMRV vaccine within 5-12 days after the first dose. Problems include low-grade fever, mild rash, swelling and erythema at the injection site, irritability, and restlessness. Although rare, fever after MMRV vaccination can lead to febrile seizures. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to determine the child's temperature to evaluate the risk for a febrile convulsion. It would also be important for the nurse to instruct the parent to monitor the child's temperature and administer acetaminophen for a fever above 102 F (38.9 C). Children with a history of seizures should be vaccinated with separate MMR and varicella vaccines instead of the combination MMRV vaccine. (Option A) This is not an appropriate intervention. The rash should disappear in 2-3 days. (Option B) The child seems to be experiencing a normal reaction to the vaccine; a clinic visit is not necessary. (Option C) Although this is an appropriate response, it is most important for the nurse to first determine the child's temperature and the extent of the fever. Educational objective: The normal MMRV vaccine reactions that occur within 5-12 days after vaccination include mild fever and rash, irritability and restlessness, and swelling and erythema at the injection site. Febrile seizure is a rare but more serious reaction to the vaccine.

The Parent of a 15-Month-Old Calls the Nurse and Says