Final answer:
A nurse admitting a school-age child with pertussis should place the child in isolation, initiate antibiotic therapy, and educate the patient and caregivers about the illness and prevention techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurse Actions When Admitting a Child With Pertussis
When a nurse is admitting a school-age child who has pertussis, also known as whooping cough, there are several actions that should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient and others. First, the nurse should place the child in isolation to prevent the spread of this highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis is known to reemerge in areas with declining vaccination rates, making prevention of transmission critical.
Secondly, the nurse needs to ensure that antibiotic therapy is initiated promptly. Although antibiotics are most effective at the earliest stages of pertussis, they can also reduce the rate of transmission if given later. The nurse should also provide education about the importance of vaccination, as active vaccination with DTaP or Tdap vaccines is the best preventative measure.
Lastly, it is important for the nurse to engage in patient education and communication. The nurse should inform the child and their caregivers about the disease, treatment options, and ways to protect the respiratory system from future illnesses, including hand washing and avoiding smoking.