Question

The rubella vaccine has been prescribed for a new mother. Which statement should the postpartum nurse make when providing information about the vaccine to the client?

1. You should avoid sexual intercourse for 2 weeks after administration of the vaccine.
2. You should not become pregnant for 2 to 3 months after administration of the vaccine.
3. You should avoid heat and extreme temperature changes for 1 week after administration of the vaccine.
4. You must sign an informed consent because anaphylactic reactions can occur with the administration of this vaccine.

Answer 1

The most accurate advice for a new mother who has been given the rubella vaccine is to avoid pregnancy for 2 to 3 months post-vaccination due to the teratogenic risk of the virus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper advice to a new mother who has received the rubella vaccine would be most accurately reflected in the second option: "You should not become pregnant for 2 to 3 months after administration of the vaccine." This is because the rubella virus is teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe birth defects if a woman contracts the virus or receives the vaccine while pregnant, and developmental defects can occur in the fetus if vaccination happens too close to conception. The postpartum nurse should emphasize the importance of avoiding pregnancy for a certain period after vaccination to ensure there's no risk to the fetus should she become pregnant again. Options 1, 3, and 4 are either unrelated to the rubella vaccine specifically or less relevant than the critical advice against early post-vaccination pregnancy.