A frail, older adult home health patient who had chickenpox as a child has been exposed to varicella (chickenpox) several days ago. What should the nurse do?

A. The transfusion will begin after the administration of 650 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

This option suggests that the nurse would administer acetaminophen to lower the client's temperature and then proceed with the blood transfusion. While acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever, the decision to administer medication should be made by the healthcare provider after assessing the client's overall condition and determining the cause of the fever. Administering medication without proper evaluation and orders from the healthcare provider is not appropriate.

B. The blood will be held, and the health care provider will be notified.

This option is the correct choice. When a client has an elevated temperature before a blood transfusion, it is standard practice to hold the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. An elevated temperature could indicate an underlying infection or another condition that needs to be evaluated before proceeding with the transfusion to ensure the client's safety.

C. The transfusion will begin after the administration of an antihistamine.

Administering an antihistamine would not be the appropriate action in response to an elevated temperature before a blood transfusion. Antihistamines are typically used to treat allergic reactions, not fevers. Holding the transfusion and notifying the healthcare provider to assess the situation would be the correct course of action.

D. The transfusion will begin as prescribed.

This option is not appropriate because starting the transfusion without addressing the elevated temperature could pose risks to the client's health. Elevated temperatures may indicate an underlying infection or other conditions that need to be evaluated before proceeding with the transfusion. Holding the transfusion and seeking further guidance from the healthcare provider is the recommended action in this scenario.

A. Healthy middle-aged adult who never had chickenpox:

This individual has not had chickenpox, which means they are susceptible to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. If they contract herpes zoster (shingles), they are at risk for complications, although typically healthy adults are less likely to experience severe complications compared to immunocompromised individuals or older adults.

B. Older adult who takes large doses of prednisone for a chronic condition:

Chronic corticosteroid use, such as prednisone, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of herpes zoster infection. Additionally, if herpes zoster develops in an older adult, they are at higher risk for complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain), bacterial superinfection of the rash, and dissemination of the virus.

C. Middle-aged adult who just started taking chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. If a person undergoing chemotherapy develops herpes zoster, they are at increased risk for serious complications due to their weakened immune response.

D. Nurse who recently received the first dose of varicella vaccine:

The varicella vaccine is designed to prevent chickenpox and reduce the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in vaccinated individuals. Therefore, a nurse who received the varicella vaccine is less likely to experience serious complications from herpes zoster infection compared to those who are unvaccinated.

E. Young adult who is positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):

Individuals with HIV have a weakened immune system, increasing their susceptibility to infections, including herpes zoster. Moreover, herpes zoster in HIV-positive individuals can be more severe, prolonged, and may lead to complications such as disseminated herpes zoster, involving multiple organs and potentially becoming life-threatening.