Question

Which client would the nurse consider the most infectious?

A.) A client who is in the full stage of illness
B.) A client who is in the incubation period
C.) A client who is in the prodromal stage
D.) A client who is in the convalescent period

Answer 1

A client in the prodromal stage is considered the most infectious since the pathogen multiplies and general symptoms begin to show, making diseases like respiratory infections highly contagious at this stage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would consider a client who is in the prodromal stage the most infectious. During the prodromal period, the pathogen continues to multiply, and the host begins to experience general signs and symptoms of illness such as fever, pain, soreness, swelling, or inflammation. For many infectious diseases, such as respiratory infections (e.g., colds, influenza), the patient is most contagious during the onset of the prodromal period, although this can vary with the pathogen and the disease.