Final answer:
The nurse cautions the client to avoid pregnancy for 2 to 3 months after the rubella vaccine to prevent potential birth defects caused by the virus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rubella vaccine is prescribed to be administered to a client 2 days after delivery of her child. The nurse preparing to administer the vaccine develops a list of the potential risks associated with this vaccine. The nurse reviews the list with the client and cautions the client to avoid pregnancy for 2 to 3 months after the vaccination. This is because the rubella virus is teratogenic and can cause fetal brain damage and other birth defects if the woman is infected during pregnancy. The client needs to wait for a certain period after receiving the vaccine before attempting pregnancy to ensure safety.
The other options (sunlight for 3 days, scratching the injection site, and sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 months) are not specific contraindications to the rubella vaccine. While some discomfort at the injection site may occur, it is not a significant risk. Sunlight exposure and sexual intercourse are generally not contraindicated after receiving the rubella vaccine. The primary concern is to prevent pregnancy for a few months to avoid any potential risks to the developing fetus.