A nurse is reinforcing teaching to the parents of a school-age child about palliative care. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously, or just underneath the skin. The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) is given intramuscularly (IM), not subcutaneously. The preferred injection sites are the anterolateral thigh (for infants) or the deltoid muscle (for older children).

B. The first dose of the vaccine is administered at 2 months of age. This is correct. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is routinely given at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

C. The vaccine is contraindicated in individuals who are allergic to gelatin. This is incorrect. The pneumococcal vaccine is not formulated with gelatin. Gelatin allergies are more relevant for vaccines like MMR and varicella. However, PCV13 should not be given to those with severe allergic reactions to any previous dose of the vaccine.

D. The vaccine is given in a series of six doses spread throughout the first 5 years of life. The PCV13 vaccine is given in a series of four doses, not six. While some high-risk children may require additional doses of PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine), the routine childhood schedule consists of four doses.

A. "Diaper dermatitis is always associated with an infection." Diaper dermatitis is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, urine, or feces, leading to skin irritation. While secondary infections (e.g., Candida albicans) can develop, not all cases are infectious.

B. "Diaper dermatitis requires immediate assessment by a medical provider." Most cases of diaper dermatitis can be managed at home with frequent diaper changes, barrier creams (such as zinc oxide), and keeping the area dry. Medical evaluation is only necessary if the rash worsens, does not improve, or shows signs of infection (e.g., pustules, severe redness, fever).

C. "Diaper dermatitis causes significant long-term impacts." Diaper dermatitis is temporary and does not cause long-term effects when properly treated. Severe, untreated cases may lead to discomfort and secondary infections, but lasting damage is rare.

D. "Diaper dermatitis will respond to prompt treatment." This is correct. Frequent diaper changes, exposure to air, and application of barrier creams typically resolve mild to moderate diaper dermatitis within a few days.