RN Nursing Care of Children 2019 With NGN Related

Review RN Nursing Care of Children 2019 With NGN related questions and content

When should a child receive the first dose of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine if the mother is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative?

  • A. 2 months of age, before hospital discharge.
  • B. Birth before discharge from the hospital.
  • C. 6 months of age, at the third well-child visit.
  • D. No time (this vaccine is not currently recommended).
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If the mother is HBsAg negative, it is recommended that the child receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth before discharge from the hospital. This is to provide early protection against the hepatitis B virus. The second dose of the vaccine is typically given at the first well-child visit, and the third dose is usually administered at a later date. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics govern the recommendations for immunization, including the hepatitis B virus vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as the first dose should ideally be given at birth. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 6 months of age may leave the child vulnerable to infection during the early months of life. Choice D is incorrect as the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, especially if the mother is HBsAg negative, to prevent transmission of the virus.