A nurse is educating a client about hemodialysis treatment.
The nurse should recognize that which client statement indicates the need for further education?

Choice A rationale

Hand washing is highly effective against the common cold virus. The rhinovirus, responsible for most common colds, is primarily transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets. Proper hand hygiene physically removes or inactivates the virus, significantly reducing its spread by disrupting the transmission pathway and minimizing self-inoculation from contaminated fomites.

Choice B rationale

The common cold virus can be highly communicable because individuals can shed the virus and transmit it before or during the onset of symptoms (the incubation and prodromal phases). This asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic shedding allows for widespread dissemination of the virus before the infected person is aware of their illness, contributing significantly to community transmission.

Choice C rationale

Mistaking common cold symptoms for seasonal allergies might delay appropriate hygiene measures and increase viral transmission. While symptoms can overlap, allergies are immune responses to allergens, whereas colds are viral infections. Incorrect self-diagnosis means individuals might not isolate or practice proper cough/sneeze etiquette, inadvertently spreading the virus to others in their environment.

Choice D rationale

The use of over-the-counter cold products does not inherently reduce immune resistance to the common cold virus. These medications primarily target symptom relief, such as decongestants or analgesics, and do not directly interfere with the body's immunological response or viral replication. Immune resistance remains dependent on the individual's overall health and prior exposure.

Choice A rationale

Administering antibiotics to family members without a confirmed bacterial infection is not scientifically sound. Antibiotics target bacterial pathogens, and their prophylactic use in healthy individuals can contribute to antibiotic resistance, a significant public health concern. Additionally, it disrupts the normal microbial flora, potentially increasing susceptibility to other infections.

Choice B rationale

Limiting visits based solely on age, like "under 12," lacks specific scientific merit for infection prevention in chemotherapy patients. While young children may have less developed immune systems and be more prone to transmitting common childhood illnesses, the critical factor is adherence to strict infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and avoiding visits when ill, regardless of age.

Choice C rationale

Practicing strict hand hygiene, including thorough washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub, is the single most effective method for preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections. This physically removes or inactivates transient microorganisms on the skin, thereby breaking the chain of infection and protecting immunocompromised patients from potential pathogens.

Choice D rationale

Wearing gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe coverings for all client care is an excessive and unnecessary measure for general infection prevention in a chemotherapy patient's family members unless the client is on strict isolation precautions for a highly transmissible pathogen. Overuse of personal protective equipment can lead to complacency and is not supported by evidence for routine family interactions.