A nurse is admitting a school-age child who has bacterial meningitis.
Which of the following types of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

Choice A rationale:

Shellfish allergies are not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. The vaccine contains no shellfish-derived ingredients.

Choice B rationale:

Egg allergies are a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. Traditionally, most influenza vaccines are prepared using eggs and can provoke allergic reactions in individuals allergic to eggs. However, individuals with a mild egg allergy can often receive the vaccine under medical supervision. It is crucial to assess the severity of the egg allergy and consult with an allergist or immunologist before administering the vaccine.

Choice C rationale:

Gelatin allergies are generally not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. While some vaccines contain gelatin, it is not a component of all influenza vaccines. If the specific vaccine being administered contains gelatin, it should be avoided in individuals with a gelatin allergy.

Choice D rationale:

Milk allergies are not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. Milk or dairy products are not typically included in the influenza vaccine formulation.

Initiate transmission-based precautions.

Rationale:

1. B- Encouraging oral fluids is an important intervention for a child who has a fever, as it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. However, it is not the priority intervention, as it does not address the risk of infection transmission to other clients or staff.
2. A - Applying topical calamine lotion may help soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the vesicles, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
3. C - Administering acetaminophen as an antipyretic may help reduce the fever and provide symptomatic relief for the child, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
4. D - Initiating transmission-based precautions is the priority intervention, as it protects other clients and staff from exposure to the infectious agent that causes the vesicles and fever. The nurse should wear gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when caring for the child, and place them in a private room or cohort them with other clients who have similar symptoms.