The nurse is caring for a child with Kawasaki disease who is receiving IV immunoglobulin. The child's parent wants to know why this treatment is required. The nurse explains that this therapy is given to:

Question

The nurse is caring for a child with Kawasaki disease who is receiving IV immunoglobulin.  The child's parent wants to know why this treatment is required.  The nurse explains that this therapy is given to:

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Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is characterized by ≥5 days of fever, bilateral nonexudative conjunctivitis, mucositis, cervical lymphadenopathy, rash, and extremity swelling. Coronary artery aneurysms are the most serious potential sequelae in untreated clients, leading to complications such as myocardial infarction and death. Echocardiography is used to monitor these cardiovascular complications. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) along with aspirin is used to prevent coronary aneurysms and subsequent occlusion. KD is one of the few pediatric illnesses in which aspirin therapy is warranted due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. However, parents should be cautioned about the risk of Reye syndrome. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should also be taught to parents of children with coronary artery aneurysms. (Option A) KD is a vasculitis of unknown etiology, but it is not an infectious process. Because the child will often have a similar clinical presentation to that of an infection (eg, persistent fever, inflammatory immune response), KD may be mistaken for a bacterial or viral illness. (Option B) Polymorphous rash of the trunk and extremities is an expected finding in a child with KD. Cool compresses, unscented lotions, and loose-fitting clothing can minimize discomfort. IVIG is not given to control rash. (Option D) Lymphadenopathy (usually a single palpable anterior cervical node >1.5 cm) and splenomegaly are included in the clinical presentation of KD. IVIG therapy is not indicated to reduce incidence of these findings. Educational objective: IVIG along with aspirin is the recommended initial treatment for Kawasaki disease, with the primary goal of coronary disease prevention.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Child with Kawasaki Disease