A nurse is admitting an adolescent who has rubella.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer aspirin to the client
B. Isolate the client from staff who are pregnant.
C. Initiate airborne precautions.
D. Monitor for the development of Koplik spots
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Isolate the client from staff who are pregnant.
Explanation:
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that can have serious implications, especially for pregnant women and their fetuses. When a nurse is admitting an adolescent with rubella, it is crucial to implement appropriate infection control measures to prevent transmission, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals.
Isolation from Pregnant Staff:
Rubella poses a significant risk to pregnant women because infection during the first trimester can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can result in severe birth defects including heart defects, cataracts, and hearing loss. Therefore, isolating the client from pregnant staff is a critical step in safeguarding these individuals and their unborn babies. This measure helps mitigate the risk of transmission, as rubella is spread through respiratory droplets and can be highly contagious.
Other Options:
- A. Administer aspirin to the client: This is incorrect because aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
- C. Initiate airborne precautions: This option is also incorrect. While rubella is contagious, it is primarily transmitted through droplet spread rather than airborne transmission. Standard precautions and droplet precautions are typically sufficient.
- D. Monitor for the development of Koplik spots: Koplik spots are associated with measles, not rubella. Monitoring for these spots would not be appropriate in the context of a rubella diagnosis.
In summary, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to isolate the client from staff who are pregnant to prevent the risk of rubella transmission. This protective measure is essential to ensure the safety of both the infected adolescent and those who may be at risk, particularly pregnant individuals.