The nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, rubella, ...

[luminitza]

The nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Which is a contraindication associated with administering this vaccine?
 
  a. The child has recently been exposed to an infectious disease.
  b. The child has symptoms of a cold but no fever.
  c. The child is having intermittent episodes of diarrhea.
  d. The child has a disorder that causes a deficient immune system.

Question 2

An immunocompromised child has been exposed to chickenpox. What should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed to the exposed child?
 
  a. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  b. Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  c. Amantadine (Symmetrel)
  d. Varicella-zoster immune globulin

[adammoses97]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine is an attenuated live virus vaccine. Children with deficient immune systems should not receive the MMRV vaccine because of a lack of evidence of its safety in this population. Exposure to an infectious disease, symptoms of a cold, or intermittent episodes of diarrhea are not contraindications to receiving a live vaccine.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The use of varicella-zoster immune globulin or immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) is recommended for children who are immunocompromised, who have no previous history of varicella, and who are likely to contract the disease and have complications as a result. The antiviral agent acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir may be used to treat varicella infections in susceptible immunocompromised persons. It is effective in decreasing the number of lesions; shortening the duration of fever; and decreasing itching, lethargy, and anorexia. Symmetrel is an antiviral used to treat influenza.