Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about immunizations with a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy whose diagnostic testing indicates she does not have an immunity to rubella. The nurse should recommend that the client receive a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine at which of the following times?

A. When she does not desire future pregnancies
Rationale: A delay in receiving the MMR vaccine places the client at risk for contracting the illness.
B. Prior to discharge from the hospital after giving birth
Rationale: The nurse should recommend the client receive the MMR vaccine following delivery, so she is protected from contracting rubella then and during any subsequent pregnancies.
C. Prior to giving birth
Rationale: Pregnancy is a contraindication for receiving the MMR vaccine.
D. Two weeks before attempting pregnancy again
Rationale: The MMR vaccine must be given at least 3 months prior to pregnancy to ensure that the developing fetus is not exposed to the rubella virus. The client should avoid becoming pregnant for at least 28 days after receiving the vaccine.

Answer 1

The client should receive the MMR vaccine after childbirth, prior to discharge from the hospital. This timing ensures safety for future pregnancies while preventing potential exposure to rubella. As the MMR vaccine contains a live virus, it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should recommend that the client receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine after giving birth, specifically prior to discharge from the hospital post-delivery. This recommendation is based on the fact that the MMR vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risks it poses to the developing fetus. Vaccination after delivery safeguards the mother for future pregnancies against rubella, which can cause severe birth defects or miscarriage if contracted during pregnancy. Additionally, the MMR vaccine is recommended to be administered at least 28 days before attempting to conceive again to ensure that the live virus from the vaccine does not affect the developing fetus.

It's important to note that while congenital rubella syndrome is rare due to high vaccination rates, rubella still poses a serious threat during pregnancy, and ensuring immunity through vaccination is critical for the health of both the mother and future pregnancies. Lastly, despite some misinformation on the internet and the erroneous association with autism, the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, as shown by extensive scientific research and the decline in these diseases where vaccination programs are robust.