The charge nurse is making assignments for the oncoming shift. Which client assignments should be avoided by the nurse who is pregnant?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parvovirus B-19 is a common childhood infection also known as "fifth disease." Infected clients display a characteristic "slapped cheek" rash on the face. Symptoms range in severity; however, most children do not require intervention. Transmission of the infection is usually through person-to-person contact, especially with respiratory secretions. Although rare, infection with parvovirus B-19 during pregnancy can cause fetal anomalies (eg, hydrops fetalis, stillbirth). It is recognized as a TORCH infection (Toxoplasmosis, Other [parvo-B19/varicella zoster], Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus), a group of infections that cause fetal abnormalities. Delegation of this client to a pregnant nurse is inappropriate due to potential harm to the fetus. (Option A) A combative toddler should not be a hazard to the pregnant nurse. Appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure safety around combative clients. (Option B) Group A Streptococcus infection requires droplet precautions; however, it does not pose a perinatal infection risk. Group A Streptococcus may manifest as sore throat. (Option D) Extreme caution should be taken while handling cytotoxic medications; however, intrathecal administration days prior to contact should not pose a risk to the pregnant nurse. The nurse should use standard precautions if contact with the client's blood or bodily fluids is anticipated. Educational objective: Clients with infectious diseases that can be transmitted to the fetus (eg, TORCH infections) should not be assigned to a pregnant nurse. These infections, including parvovirus B19, can cause severe anomalies in the developing fetus.

The Charge Nurse Is Making Assignments for the Oncoming Shift