A nurse is investigating a mumps outbreak among school-age children.
Using the epidemiological triangle, the nurse should identify which of the following as the host?

Choice A rationale

Down syndrome does not typically require a modification in the standard immunization schedule. Children with Down syndrome should receive all recommended vaccinations according to the standard schedule.

Choice B rationale

Failure to thrive does not typically require a modification in the standard immunization schedule. Children with failure to thrive should receive all recommended vaccinations according to the standard schedule.

Choice C rationale

This is the correct answer. Children with leukemia or other cancers that weaken the immune system may require modifications to the standard immunization schedule. These children may need to avoid certain vaccines or delay vaccination until their immune system is stronger.

Choice D rationale

Sickle cell disease does not typically require a modification in the standard immunization schedule. Children with sickle cell disease should receive all recommended vaccinations according to the standard schedule.

Choice A rationale: The client’s persistent fever is a common symptom of the plague and many other infections.

Choice B rationale: The client’s statement about getting flea bites during their trip is significant because the plague is often transmitted through the bite of an infected flea.

Choice C rationale: The client’s recent travel to South Asia could have exposed them to areas where plague is endemic or there are ongoing outbreaks.

Choice D rationale: The presence of tender, inguinal lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes in the groin area) is a classic sign of bubonic plague.

Choice E rationale: Body aches can be a symptom of the systemic infection caused by the plague.

Choice F rationale: New onset of weakness can be a symptom of the systemic infection caused by the plague.

Choice G rationale: Headache and chills are common symptoms of the plague and many other infections.

Choice H rationale: Pruritic (itchy) lesions on the right leg could be the site of the flea bites that transmitted the plague bacteria.

Choice I rationale: Clear lungs to auscultation bilaterally does not necessarily rule out the plague. While pneumonic plague does affect the lungs, bubonic plague (the most common form) primarily causes lymphadenitis and does not typically present with respiratory symptoms in the early stages.