A charge nurse is creating assignments for the next shift for several nurses and one of the nurses is pregnant. Which of the following clients should the charge nurse assign to a nurse who is not pregnant?
A.
A 60-year-old client who is recovering from shingles
B.
A 20-year-old client who is HIV positive
C.
A 40-year-old client who is suspected of having tuberculosis
D.
An 80-year-old client who has alcoholic pancreatitis and is being treated for impetigo
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C: A 40-year-old client who is suspected of having tuberculosis.
Explanation:
When assigning tasks in a healthcare setting, it’s crucial to consider the safety and well-being of the staff, especially those who may be more vulnerable due to personal conditions such as pregnancy. Pregnant nurses are generally advised to avoid exposure to certain infectious diseases and environmental risks to protect both their own health and that of their unborn child.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant concern for pregnant nurses due to its contagious nature and the potential severe health impacts. TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs but can involve other organs. It is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Healthcare workers, particularly those who are pregnant, should avoid exposure to TB due to the risk of contracting the disease, which could pose a risk to both the nurse and the fetus. Pregnant nurses should avoid direct contact with suspected or confirmed TB patients, and infection control measures must be stringent to reduce the risk of transmission.
Here’s a breakdown of why the other options are less relevant:
- Option A (A 60-year-old client recovering from shingles): Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, is less contagious than TB. It is primarily spread through direct contact with the rash. While pregnant nurses should generally avoid contact with clients who have active varicella-zoster infections, it is less of a concern compared to TB.
- Option B (A 20-year-old client who is HIV positive): HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It is not spread through casual contact, so the risk to a pregnant nurse is less direct compared to TB.
- Option D (An 80-year-old client with alcoholic pancreatitis and impetigo): Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is spread through direct contact with infected skin lesions. It is a more manageable risk compared to TB and generally less concerning for a pregnant nurse if proper precautions are taken.
Therefore, the safest assignment for a nurse who is pregnant is to avoid patients with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis, which is why Option C is the most appropriate choice for a nurse who is not pregnant.