A nurse is caring for a patient suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) Which symptom is commonly associated with TB?

Choice A rationale:

Chemoprophylaxis involves using medications to prevent TB infection or its progression in individuals at high risk of exposure. While it is an important strategy, it is not specifically related to administering the BCG vaccine.

Choice B rationale:

Screening for TB involves identifying individuals who are at risk of infection or have active disease through various tests such as tuberculin skin tests and chest X-rays. Although screening is a crucial aspect of TB control, it is not the strategy involving BCG vaccine administration.

Choice C rationale:

Vaccination with the BCG vaccine is an individual-level strategy aimed at providing protection against TB, particularly in infants or children at high risk of TB exposure or infection. The BCG vaccine does not provide complete protection against TB but has been shown to reduce the risk of severe forms of the disease, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB, in children.

Choice D rationale:

Surveillance involves monitoring the incidence and prevalence of TB at the population level. It does not directly involve administering the BCG vaccine to individuals at risk.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should advise the patient with chickenpox to avoid contact with pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, newborns, and people who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can be severe or even life-threatening for vulnerable populations. This precaution helps protect those who are at a higher risk of complications from the infection.

Choice B rationale:

Sharing personal items such as towels and utensils should be avoided during chickenpox. Chickenpox spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with fluid from the blisters. Sharing personal items can increase the risk of transmission to others.

Choice C rationale:

It is not appropriate for the nurse to recommend scratching the chickenpox lesions. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections and scarring. The patient should be encouraged to use methods like calamine lotion or antihistamines to relieve itching.

Choice D rationale:

The patient should not return to work or school until all lesions are crusted over and they are no longer contagious. Typically, this occurs about 6-7 days after the rash first appears. Returning too early can increase the risk of spreading the virus to others.