Pediatrics, part 90: Integumentary Disorders - Lyme Disease

Hi, I'm Cathy with Level Up RN. In this video, I am going to continue my coverage of integumentary system disorders from our Level Up RN pediatric nursing flashcards. Specifically, I'll be talking about Lyme disease. And then at the end of the video, I'm going to give you guys a quiz to test your understanding of some of the key facts I'll be covering. So definitely stay tuned for that. And if you have our flashcards, go ahead and pull out your flashcard on Lyme disease so you can follow along with me.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted via the bite of an infected tick. This bacterium is called Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease starts off as a localized infection. But left untreated, it can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. During the first stage of Lyme disease, which is the early localized disease stage, many but not all people will develop a red rash called erythema migrans. This is a circular rash that typically isn't itchy or painful and sort of looks like a bullseye. In addition, patients may have flu-like symptoms such as a low-grade fever, malaise, headache, and muscle aches. The second stage of Lyme disease, which is the early disseminated disease stage, develops about 3 to 12 weeks after the tick bite. Signs and symptoms may include multiple smaller erythema migrans lesions, as well as fever, dizziness, headache, facial palsy, which is weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, as well as cardiac symptoms such as chest pain and palpitations. And then the third stage, which is the late disseminated disease stage, occurs months or years after the initial infection. Signs and symptoms include arthritis, which can cause pain and swelling in the joints, as well as a variety of neurological issues, including cognitive issues.

Diagnosis of Lyme disease involves the use of serological testing to check for the presence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. A positive ELISA test is indicative of Lyme disease and is confirmed with a Western blot test. Treatment of Lyme disease includes the administration of antibiotics such as doxycycline as well as analgesics such as NSAIDs. In terms of prevention of Lyme disease, it's best to wear long pants, long sleeves, closed shoes, and a hat in wooded or grassy areas. In addition, treating gear and clothing with a tick repellent is recommended, and then everyone needs to be checked thoroughly for ticks when returning inside. And gear and pets should be checked as well.

All right. It's quiz time, and I've got three questions for you.

Question number 1, Lyme disease may cause blank, which is a red circular rash that resembles a bullseye.

The answer is erythema migrans.

Question number 2, flu-like symptoms and an erythema migrans rash is indicative of which stage of Lyme disease?

The answer is stage 1, which is the early localized disease stage.

Question number 3, how is Lyme disease treated?

The answer is with antibiotics such as doxycycline.

All right. That's it for this video. I hope it was helpful. Take care and good luck with studying.