Posted: August 17th, 2017

If a case of smallpox is suspected, the nurse should

If a case of smallpox is suspected, the nurse should
a) call the CDC Emergency Preparedness Office.
Anyone suspecting a case of smallpox should call the CDC Emergency Preparedness Office at 770-488-7100. The CDC will respond by immmediate provision of diagnostic support and eventual release of vaccine if a case is confirmed. Until instructed otherwise by the CDC, healthcare providers should carefully establish isolation with negative pressure, and maintain thorough lists of all those who have contact with the patient.
b) immediately vaccinate the patient and anyone in contact with the patient.
The CDC will provide diagnostic support and will release the vaccine if the patient is confirmed to have smallpox.
c) establish isolation with positive pressure.
Isolation with negative pressure should be established.
d) Assess the patient for signs of a rash similar to chickenpox in appearance and progression.
The lesions associated with smallpox may appear similar in appearance, but the progression is very different from that of chickenpox. Smallpox lesions will appear to be at the same stage of development as the rash progresses from macules to papules to pustules to scabs. This progression is very different from that of chickenpox. With chickenpox, lesions appear at different developmental stages.