A 12-month-old infant has become immunosuppressed during a course of chemotherapy. When preparing the parents for the infant's discharge, what information should the nurse give concerning the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization?
- A. It should not be given until the infant reaches 2 years of age.
- B. Infants who are receiving chemotherapy should not be given these vaccines.
- C. It should be given to protect the infant from contracting any of these diseases.
- D. The parents should discuss this with their healthcare provider at the next visit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Live vaccines, like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, should not be administered to immunosuppressed infants, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. The weakened immune system of these infants may not be able to handle live vaccines safely, potentially leading to severe complications. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid giving live vaccines like MMR to infants receiving chemotherapy. Choice A is incorrect as delaying the MMR vaccine until the infant reaches 2 years of age is not the main concern in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect because although MMR vaccination is important for disease prevention, it should not be given to immunosuppressed infants. Choice D is incorrect as immediate action is needed to prevent potential harm from live vaccines in immunosuppressed infants.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 4-year-old fell from a third-story window and landed on her head. She is semiconscious with slow, irregular breathing and bleeding from her mouth. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with simultaneous stabilization of her head, what should you do next?
- A. Suction the oropharynx
- B. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
- C. Initiate positive pressure ventilations
- D. Administer oxygen via mask
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is experiencing airway compromise due to the fall and potential oropharyngeal obstruction from bleeding. Performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with head stabilization helps maintain the airway patency. The next step should be to suction the oropharynx to clear any blood or secretions, which can obstruct the airway and lead to aspiration. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway may worsen bleeding or cause further injury to the patient's airway. Initiating positive pressure ventilations can be ineffective if the airway is not cleared first. Administering oxygen via mask is not the immediate priority; ensuring a patent airway by suctioning takes precedence.
A 6-year-old child comes to the school nurse reporting a sore throat, and the nurse verifies that the child has a fever and a red, inflamed throat. When a parent of the child arrives at school to take the child home, the nurse urges the parent to seek treatment. The nurse is aware that the causative agent may be beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and the illness may progress to inflamed joints and an infection in the heart. What illness is of most concern to the nurse?
- A. Tetanus
- B. Influenza
- C. Scarlet fever
- D. Rheumatic fever
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is characterized by inflamed joints and can lead to serious complications such as heart infections. Tetanus (choice A) is caused by a bacterial toxin affecting the nervous system, Influenza (choice B) is a viral respiratory illness, and Scarlet fever (choice C) is also caused by streptococcus but is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash and strawberry tongue. However, in the scenario described, the nurse is most concerned about the child developing rheumatic fever due to the potential serious consequences associated with it.
A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Encourage a high-protein diet
- B. Avoid foods high in salt
- C. Encourage a low-sodium diet
- D. Encourage a low-protein diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a child with nephrotic syndrome, it is important to avoid foods high in salt. This instruction helps manage symptoms and prevent complications associated with the condition. High salt intake can lead to fluid retention and worsen edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Encouraging a low-sodium diet is crucial to maintaining fluid balance and reducing strain on the kidneys. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a high-protein diet can further stress the kidneys, while a low-protein diet may not be necessary unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Encouraging a low-sodium diet is more appropriate for managing nephrotic syndrome.
What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?
- A. Type of procedure to be performed
- B. Individual assessment of the parents
- C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
- D. Probable reaction to the toddler's response to pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, it is crucial to conduct an individual assessment of the parents. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the procedure, provide support to their child, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all involved. Choice A, the type of procedure to be performed, while important, is not the most critical factor in this scenario. Choice C, whether the toddler wants the parents present, is significant but secondary to assessing the parents themselves. Choice D, probable reaction to the toddler's response to pain, is important but focuses more on the child's reaction rather than the parents' capacity to provide appropriate support.
Why is the infant scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine instead of the oral vaccine, as asked by the parents?
- A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
- B. Both vaccines produce the same results and are equally safe, according to consensus.
- C. The intramuscular vaccine is preferred over the oral vaccine due to cost considerations, unless contraindicated.
- D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine over the oral vaccine due to its superior safety profile. Intramuscular administration ensures better immunogenicity and protection against poliovirus. Choice B is incorrect as the intramuscular vaccine is preferred for safety reasons. Choice C is incorrect because the recommendation is based on safety, not cost. Choice D is incorrect as the CDC recommendation is not solely based on immunocompromised status but rather on the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccine.