Question

The nurse teaches girls age 10 to 12 about self-care during menses. The nurse emphasizes that a risk factor for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is:

a) Using tampons
b) Taking showers
c) Changing pads frequently
d) Washing hands regularly

Answer 1

Using tampons is a risk factor for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to the Staphylococcus aureus toxin TSST-1. Improper tampon use can lead to infections that cause TSS, which is a serious condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is a) Using tampons. The nurse emphasizes that using tampons is a risk factor for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a serious condition caused by the toxin TSST-1, associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Improper tampon use can lead to infections that result in TSS, as the toxin stimulates widespread T cell activation and excessive cytokine release, causing a systemic inflammatory response that can be fatal.