For a toddler diagnosed with measles, what is a key nursing assessment to perform?

The key nursing assessment for a toddler diagnosed with measles is to check for Koplik spots. Koplik spots are small, blue-white lesions that appear on the buccal mucosa and are considered a classic sign of measles, typically appearing 1 to 2 days before the characteristic measles rash develops. Identifying these spots early can assist in confirming the diagnosis and informing further management of the child’s condition.

Monitoring for coughing fits, assessing skin temperature, and evaluating appetite are important considerations in the overall care of a child with measles, but they do not specifically confirm the diagnosis. Koplik spots provide a direct visual cue indicative of measles, making it a crucial assessment in managing this viral infection in young children.