Question

A nurse in a community health clinic is preparing to administer the varicella vaccine to a young adult female client who has not previously had chickenpox or its vaccine. The nurse should withhold the vaccine and collect additional data when the client makes which of the following statements?

a. "I had a mild case of chickenpox when I was a child."

b. "I am currently taking a prescription antibiotic for a sinus infection."

c. "I received a tetanus shot last year at my workplace."

d. "I had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine a few years ago."

Answer 1

The vaccine should be withheld and more information gathered if the client had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine, as this could indicate a similar risk with the varicella vaccine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should withhold the varicella vaccine and collect additional data when the client makes the statement that "I had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine a few years ago." This statement is a potential contraindication to the vaccine, as it indicates a possible increased risk of an allergic reaction to the varicella vaccine. Allergic responses to vaccine components can range from mild to severe and warrant further investigation before proceeding with vaccination. The varicella vaccine is essential for the prevention of chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox in adults can have more severe complications, and a history of a severe vaccine reaction needs careful consideration. While it's ideal for individuals who have not previously had chickenpox or the vaccine to get immunized, safety is paramount, and any history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines must be addressed.