A young adult man goes to an emergency treatment area after finishing a marathon run. He is weak, dizzy, and remains thirsty after drinking a pint of a flavored sports drink. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Choice A reason: While tick removal is important after exposure, it is a reactive measure rather than preventive. Prevention focuses on avoiding bites altogether, which is more effective in reducing transmission of vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Choice B reason: Drinking bottled water helps prevent waterborne illnesses such as cholera or typhoid, not vector-borne diseases. This choice does not directly address the prevention of diseases transmitted by insects or arthropods.

Choice C reason: Immunizations are essential for preventing certain infectious diseases, but few vaccines exist for vector-borne illnesses. For example, there is no widely available vaccine for malaria or dengue in many regions. Thus, immunization alone is insufficient.

Choice D reason: Wearing insect repellent is a primary preventive strategy against vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective in reducing bites from mosquitoes and ticks.

Choice A reason: Rechecking vital signs in 30 minutes delays critical intervention. The client is showing signs of a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication such as an anastomotic leak or internal hernia, which can rapidly deteriorate. Delaying action could result in worsening sepsis or bowel ischemia.

Choice B reason: While assessing oxygen saturation is part of a comprehensive evaluation, it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. The client’s fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and referred shoulder pain suggest peritoneal irritation and possible sepsis, which require immediate transport and surgical evaluation.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to drive themselves is unsafe. The client is hemodynamically unstable and may deteriorate en route. Driving could delay care and increase risk of injury or death.

Choice D reason: Transporting the client via ambulance ensures rapid access to emergency care and allows for monitoring during transit. The symptoms are consistent with a surgical emergency such as an anastomotic leak or internal hernia, which require prompt imaging and possible surgical intervention.