Questions: Question 50 Which intervention relieves pruritus associated with varicella (chickenpox)? Have the child wear mittens. Rub an antibiotic ointment on the lesions. Use wet-to-dry saline dressings over the oozing vesicles. Pat the lesions while applying the prescribed calamine lotion. Confident Not Sure

The answer is the last one: Pat the lesions while applying the prescribed calamine lotion.

Explanation for each option:

1. Have the child wear mittens.
   This option is primarily a preventive measure to avoid scratching and potentially causing secondary infections or scarring, rather than directly relieving pruritus (itching).

2. Rub an antibiotic ointment on the lesions.
   Antibiotic ointments are used to prevent or treat bacterial infections, not to relieve itching. This option does not address the pruritus associated with chickenpox.

3. Use wet-to-dry saline dressings over the oozing vesicles.
   Wet-to-dry dressings are typically used for wound debridement and are not specifically intended to relieve itching. They may help with drying out the vesicles but do not directly address pruritus.

4. Pat the lesions while applying the prescribed calamine lotion.
   Calamine lotion is commonly used to relieve itching and soothe irritated skin. Patting the lesions gently while applying calamine lotion can help alleviate the itching associated with chickenpox.

In summary, the most effective intervention for relieving pruritus associated with varicella is to pat the lesions while applying calamine lotion, as it directly addresses the itching.