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A client hospitalized with AIDS tells the nurse that he has been exposed to measles. The nurse should contact the physician regarding an order for:

An antibiotic
Immune globulin
An antiviral
Airborne isolation

User Moin Ahmed
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

A nurse should request an order for Immune globulin to provide passive immunization and enforce airborne isolation to prevent the spread of measles, especially since the client has a compromised immune system due to AIDS.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon learning that a client hospitalized with AIDS has been exposed to measles, the nurse should act promptly to prevent the spread of infection. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease; in a person with a weakened immune system, such as someone with AIDS, it can lead to serious complications. Therefore, the best immediate course of action is to administer Immune globulin, which provides passive immunization by supplying antibodies that can help fight off the infection.

Additionally, since measles is spread through the air by respiratory droplets, it is crucial to place the patient in an airborne isolation room. This helps to prevent the spread of the virus to others, especially in a hospital setting where there are individuals who are particularly vulnerable. This isolation involves using a room with negative pressure ventilation that prevents the flow of potentially contaminated air into surrounding areas. Meanwhile, antibiotics would not be effective against a viral infection like measles, and although antiviral medications exist, they are generally not the first line of treatment for measles. Hence, the most suitable response is to provide immune globulin and implement airborne isolation protocols.

User NealR
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