A client who is 38 weeks pregnant is concerned her baby might get a communicable disease before any immunizations are given.

Which physiological mechanism should the nurse use when responding to the mother's concerns?

Choice A rationale

Benzocaine otic drops are used for pain relief and do not address the root cause of infections. Regular use without medical advice can lead to masking of symptoms and possibly delay appropriate treatment. The focus should be on preventing infections through other methods like vaccinations and avoiding irritants.

Choice B rationale

Scheduling a visit for the pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate as it can help protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of otitis media. Vaccinations are a preventive measure to reduce the frequency and severity of infections in infants and children.

Choice C rationale

Giving the infant the full course of antibiotics is crucial in treating and preventing recurrent infections. Incomplete antibiotic courses can lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of infections. Caregivers must be educated on the importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment plan.

Choice D rationale

Avoiding smoking inside the house is essential as secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for otitis media. Smoke can irritate the respiratory system and Eustachian tubes, making infants more susceptible to infections. Caregivers should be advised to maintain a smoke-free environment to protect the child's health.

Choice A rationale

Typing and crossmatching for a possible transfusion is not the immediate priority for a child with hemophilia who has a swollen knee. While a transfusion might be necessary if there is significant bleeding, initial management should focus on controlling the bleeding and minimizing joint damage.

Choice B rationale

Initiating an IV site and beginning infusing normal saline is not the first action to take in this scenario. While IV access might be needed later, immediate measures should focus on controlling bleeding and reducing swelling to prevent further damage to the knee joint.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring the child's vital signs frequently is important, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to control the bleeding and reduce the swelling, which are the immediate concerns in this situation.

Choice D rationale

Applying an ice pack and compression dressing to the knee is the first action to take. This helps to control bleeding, reduce swelling, and minimize joint damage. This is a crucial step in managing hemophilia-related injuries and should be done immediately upon recognizing a swollen joint.