Pharmacology HESI Practice Related

Review Pharmacology HESI Practice related questions and content

A healthy 68-year-old client asks the practical nurse (PN) whether they should take the pneumococcal vaccine. Which statement should the PN offer to the client that provides the most accurate information about this vaccine?

  • A. The vaccine is given annually before the flu season to those older than 50 years.
  • B. The immunization is recommended for children younger than 2 years old and all adults 65 years or older.
  • C. The vaccine is for all ages and is given primarily to those traveling overseas to areas of infection.
  • D. The vaccine will prevent the occurrence of pneumococcal pneumonia for up to 5 years.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it is usually recommended that children younger than 2 years old and adults 65 years or older get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. This is because these age groups are more susceptible to severe complications from the infection. While the vaccine may be recommended for certain individuals with specific medical conditions at any age, the primary target groups are as mentioned in option B. Option A is incorrect as the pneumococcal vaccine is not given annually like the flu vaccine. Option C is incorrect because the vaccine is not primarily for travelers but for certain age groups and individuals with medical conditions at risk. Option D is incorrect as the vaccine's duration of protection can vary, and it is not guaranteed to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia for up to 5 years.