Question

A community health nurse is made aware that several children, who are in the same family and did not receive immunizations, have contracted measles. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a) Report the family to child protective services for neglect
b) Provide immunizations to the affected children immediately
c) Educate the family on the importance of vaccination
d) Isolate the affected children to prevent further spread

Answer 1

The community health nurse should educate the family on the importance of vaccination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The community health nurse should take action c) Educate the family on the importance of vaccination. In this situation, the nurse's primary role is to provide information and education to the family about the benefits and importance of vaccination. This will help them understand the potential risks of not immunizing their children and make an informed decision for their health.

By educating the family, the nurse can address any misconceptions or concerns they may have and provide accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. The nurse can also explain the concept of herd immunity, highlighting the importance of vaccination for protecting not only their own children but also vulnerable individuals in the community who cannot be vaccinated.

Additionally, the nurse should collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide support and resources to ensure that the affected children receive the necessary immunizations to protect them from further health risks.