What is the primary concern for a nurse when treating a child with rubeola?

The primary concern when treating a child with rubeola, also known as measles, centers around monitoring for potential complications. Rubeola can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and otitis media, particularly in children with weakened immune systems or those who are not vaccinated. Close monitoring can help identify these complications early, allowing for prompt intervention, which is crucial given the potential severity of these outcomes.

While management of fever, prevention of rash development, and reduction of ocular symptoms are important aspects of care, they are secondary to the overarching need to watch for and address complications. The complications associated with rubeola can have serious implications for the child's health; therefore, ensuring vigilance in monitoring for these potential issues is the foremost priority for nursing care in this situation.