A 6-year-old child develops a rash and conjunctivitis. What is the priority intervention for this patient?

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In the context of a 6-year-old child presenting with a rash and conjunctivitis, the priority intervention is to place the patient in airborne precautions. This is vital because these symptoms could indicate a contagious viral infection, such as measles or varicella, both of which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and require airborne precautions to prevent further spread.

When airborne precautions are enacted, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of exposure to other patients and staff, protecting vulnerable populations. This precaution includes using masks and possibly isolating the patient from others until a definitive diagnosis is made or until it's safe for them to be around others.

While providing symptomatic relief and conducting a thorough exam are important aspects of patient care, they are secondary to ensuring that the potential for airborne transmission is adequately addressed. Antihistamines may help alleviate symptoms if an allergic reaction were suspected, but they would not address the underlying infectious risk presented by the child’s symptoms. Thus, placing the child in airborne precautions is essential for controlling infection and ensuring safety in the healthcare environment.

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