The nurse is caring for a client in ICU diagnosed with rabies following a bite from an infected raccoon. The nurse understands which to be true regarding rabies?
The client should not be bathed, and no running water should be present within hearing of the client.
Current treatment includes two doses of immunoglobulin and six doses of rabies vaccine over a period of 21 days.
Nuchal rigidity, convulsions, and tonic or clonic muscle contractions can occur during the neurological phase.
In the prodromal phase, the client can have irritability, extreme salivation, sore throat, fever, and hyperexcitability.
During the neurological phase, the client may have aches and pains in different parts of the body, along with sensitivity to light.
During the paralytic phase, the client becomes unconscious, has loss of bowel and urinary control, and has irregular or labored breathing.
Numbers 1, 3, 4, and 6 are correct.
Rationale: Rabies causes encephalitis, which causes paralysis and difficulty swallowing water. This manifests as an apparent fear of water, which can cause the client to become adversely irritated when he or she sees water or hears running water. Nuchal rigidity, convulsions, and tonic or clonic muscle contractions can occur during the neurological phase. In the prodromal phase, the client can have irritability, extreme salivation, sore throat, fever, and hyperexcitability. During the paralytic phase, the client becomes unconscious, has loss of bowel and urinary control, and has irregular or labored breathing. Current treatment includes one dose of immunoglobulin and five doses of rabies vaccine over a period of 28 days. Aches and pains in different parts of the body and light sensitivity occur during the prodromal phase.
