Pediatric Infectious & Communicable Diseases — Immunizations, Isolation Precautions, and NCLEX Nursing Care | Chapter 37: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Pediatric Infectious & Communicable Diseases — Immunizations, Isolation Precautions, and NCLEX Nursing Care | Chapter 37: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Chapter 37 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri offers a thorough review of pediatric infectious and communicable diseases, preparing nursing students to provide safe, evidence-based care. This chapter covers HIV/AIDS in children, viral and bacterial illnesses, vaccination protocols, and isolation precautions — all framed with NCLEX-priority strategies for prevention, management, and patient teaching.

Watch the video above for a concise high-yield breakdown, then explore the expanded written guide below for deeper understanding. Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-PN study resources and pediatric care reviews.

Book cover

HIV/AIDS in Children

HIV in pediatrics may be transmitted vertically (mother to child) or horizontally (blood, sexual contact, unsafe needle use). Key concerns include opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Nursing interventions involve antiretroviral therapy (ART), prophylactic antibiotics, neutropenic precautions, and family teaching on infection control, nutrition, and medication adherence.

Immunization Guidelines

Understanding vaccine schedules, administration techniques, and contraindications is vital for NCLEX success. Nurses must verify immunization histories, select appropriate sites (vastus lateralis for infants, deltoid for older children), and document accurately. Educating families about the benefits of vaccination and potential side effects supports compliance.

Vaccine Reactions and Emergencies

  • Local reactions: redness, swelling, mild fever
  • Severe reactions: anaphylaxis requiring immediate epinephrine administration
  • Comfort measures: cool compresses, acetaminophen for fever

Viral & Bacterial Communicable Diseases

  • Measles (Rubeola): 3 Cs — cough, coryza, conjunctivitis — plus Koplik spots; airborne precautions
  • Roseola: High fever followed by pink rash; comfort care and hydration
  • Rubella: Mild rash; dangerous for pregnant women; droplet precautions
  • Mumps: Parotid swelling; risk of orchitis and meningitis; droplet precautions
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): Macular to vesicular rash; airborne and contact precautions; antivirals for immunocompromised
  • Pertussis: Severe cough (“whoop”); suction, humidified oxygen, droplet isolation
  • Diphtheria: Gray pseudomembrane in throat; airway protection is priority
  • Poliomyelitis: Fecal-oral spread; paralysis risk; contact precautions
  • Scarlet Fever: Strawberry tongue, Pastia’s sign; droplet precautions
  • Fifth Disease: Slapped cheek rash; risk for pregnant contacts
  • Mononucleosis: Fatigue, splenomegaly; avoid contact sports
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Tick-borne; rash on palms/soles; early antibiotics
  • MRSA: Skin boils, cellulitis; strict hygiene and wound care
  • Influenza: Fever, respiratory symptoms; annual vaccination

Isolation Precautions

Correct isolation protects patients, families, and staff. NCLEX expects knowledge of:

  • Airborne: negative pressure room, N95 respirator (measles, varicella, TB)
  • Droplet: surgical mask within 3 feet (mumps, rubella, pertussis)
  • Contact: gloves and gown (MRSA, varicella lesions)

Home Care Teaching

Parents should understand hand hygiene, safe disposal of contaminated materials, maintaining dietary restrictions when indicated, and adherence to medication schedules. For vaccine-preventable diseases, education on immunization importance reduces future outbreaks.

Conclusion

Competence in pediatric infectious and communicable disease care requires mastery of prevention, isolation, and treatment principles. This chapter provides the NCLEX-PN candidate with essential tools to protect vulnerable populations, implement safe practices, and educate families effectively.

If you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter textbook summaries and academic study guides.

Explore the full playlist for Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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