The parent of an 11-month-old child calls the pediatric outpatient clinic and tells the nurse that the child was exposed to measles 2 days ago during a family trip to a theme park. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the first dose of MMR vaccine be given to children between age 12-15 months to ensure optimal vaccine response. However, the vaccine is safe for children age <12 months; it could provide some protection or modify the clinical course of the disease if administered within 72 hours of the child's initial measles exposure. Immunoglobulin, if administered within 6 days of exposure, is also utilized as post-exposure prophylaxis. A child who receives the MMR vaccine prior to the first birthday will need to be revaccinated at age 12-15 months and again between age 4-6 years. (Option B) Because a fever is one of the first emerging signs of a measles infection, it would be appropriate to advise the parent to check the child's temperature. However, this is not the most important action. (Option C) This is not the most important instruction to give to the parent. After receiving the MMR vaccine, the child can be around other children. If the child does not receive the MMR vaccine, exposure to other children would not be advised. (Option D) Although fever and rash are 2 of the clinical signs of measles, the measles incubation period is 7-21 days. The clinical indicators of measles would not be seen only 2 days after exposure. Educational objective: As advised by the CDC, a child age <12 months can and should receive the MMR vaccine when there is an outbreak of measles and the child risks contracting the illness due to an exposure. The child will need to be revaccinated between age 12-15 months and between age 4-6 years.

The Parent of an 11-Month-Old Child Calls the Pediatric Outpatient