North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

If a mother gets varicella in the first 72 hours postpartum, what is the proper action?

1. Only the mother should receive VZIG

2. Both the mother and baby should receive VZIG

3. Isolate the mother with no treatment

4. Give supportive care only

The correct answer is: Both the mother and baby should receive VZIG

In the scenario where a mother contracts varicella (chickenpox) within the first 72 hours postpartum, the appropriate action is to administer Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) to both the mother and the newborn. This is because varicella can pose serious risks to the newborn, particularly if exposure occurs in the early postpartum period when the baby is most vulnerable. Receiving VZIG can provide passive immunity and significantly reduce the risk of developing severe varicella disease in the infant. The timing is crucial, as VZIG is most effective when given within this timeframe following exposure. While it's essential to protect the newborn, the mother's health is also a priority, and offering VZIG helps ensure she has some added immunity, especially if she is at risk for a severe case of varicella. Supportive care alone would not be adequate, and isolating the mother without treatment might expose the baby—or other individuals in the household—to varicella without any preventive measures in place.