Author Question: An immigrant child is in the clinic for MMR vaccination. The nurse learns that the child has ... (Read 98 times)

scienceeasy · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

An immigrant child is in the clinic for MMR vaccination.

The nurse learns that the child has recently received an immune globulin injection for a viral infection, currently has an upper respiratory infection with a temperature of 100 F, and has a recent history of thrombocytopenia, which has resolved. What does the nurse tell the child's parents?
a. The vaccine is contraindicated in this child because of the history of thrombocytopenia.
b. The child should be brought back for the vaccine when the temperature is back to normal.
c. The child is at increased risk of developing autism from this vaccine.
d. The vaccine must be postponed for 3 months after administration of the immune globulin.

Question 2

A 1-year-old child receives the MMR vaccine. The next day the child's parent calls the nurse to report that the child has a temperature of 103 F. What will the nurse do?

a. File an adverse event report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
b. Notify the child's provider that thrombocytopenia is likely to occur.
c. Reassure the parent that fever can occur with the MMR vaccine.
d. Tell the parent to take the child to the emergency department.

steff9894 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The MMR vaccine should be postponed in children who have received immunoglobulins, because the immunoglobulin contains antibodies against the viruses in the vaccine. Thrombocytopenia is not a contraindication to the MMR vaccine. A low-grade temperature is not a contraindication. There is no link between receiving the MMR vaccine and the development of autism.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The MMR vaccine can have several adverse effects, including fever up to 103 F; this is not considered a serious effect and does not warrant filing an adverse event report with VAERS. Thrombocytopenia is a rare but serious side effect of the MMR vaccine but is not associated with fever. There is no need to have the parent take the child to the emergency department.