A nurse is caring for a child who has pertussis. The child's parent asks the nurse what the common name for this disease is. The nurse should respond with which of the following common names?

Choice A: Oliguria is a condition of reduced urine output, which can indicate dehydration, kidney failure, or urinary tract obstruction. It is not associated with a CNS infection, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

Choice B: A negative Brudzinski sign is a normal finding that indicates no meningeal irritation. It is elicited by flexing the neck of a supine patient and observing no involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. A positive Brudzinski sign, on the other hand, is a sign of meningitis, which is a type of CNS infection.

Choice C: A bulging fontanel is an abnormal finding that indicates increased intracranial pressure, which can be caused by a CNS infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis. A fontanel is a soft spot on the skull of an infant that allows for brain growth and development.

Choice D: Jaundice is a condition of yellowing of the skin and eyes, which can indicate liver disease, hemolytic anemia, or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It is not associated with a CNS infection, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

Choice A reason: This choice is correct because providing a latex-free environment is an essential intervention for an infant who has spina bifida and is to undergo surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac. Spina bifida is a congenital defect in which the spinal cord and its coverings do not close properly, resulting in a protrusion of the meninges (meningocele) or the meninges and spinal cord (myelomeningocele). Children who have spina bifida are at a high risk of developing a latex allergy, which can cause severe reactions such as anaphylaxis or death. Therefore, avoiding exposure to latex products such as gloves, catheters, balloons, or bandages is crucial to prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because initiating contact precautions is not necessary for an infant who has spina bifida and is to undergo surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac. Contact precautions are infection control measures that prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. They may be indicated for clients who have multidrug-resistant organisms, clostridium difficile, or scabies, but they are not required for clients who have spina bifida unless they have a concurrent infection.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because limiting visitors to immediate family members is not indicated for an infant who has spina bifida and is to undergo surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac. Limiting visitors may be indicated for clients who have immunosuppression, isolation, or terminal illness, but it may not be beneficial for clients who have spina bifida. Allowing visitors may provide emotional and social support for the client and their family, as long as they follow standard precautions and do not pose any risk of infection or injury.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because maintaining the infant in the supine position is not an appropriate intervention for an infant who has spina bifida and is to undergo surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac.
Maintaining the infant in the supine position may cause pressure or trauma to the sac, which can lead to rupture, infection, or nerve damage. Therefore, positioning the infant in a prone or side-lying position with the hips flexed and knees abducted can help to protect the sac and prevent complications.