A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who needs an interpreter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Inform the caregiver that it is okay to use the same towels: Sharing towels can spread impetigo, which is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. Families should be instructed to use separate towels, washcloths, and linens to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

B. Request the provider to prescribe an antiviral medication: Impetigo is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, not viruses. Antibacterial agents, not antivirals, are the appropriate treatment for managing this condition.

C. Place the toddler on droplet precautions: Impetigo primarily spreads through direct contact with lesions or contaminated objects, not respiratory droplets. Standard precautions with contact isolation are typically used rather than droplet precautions.

D. Prevent the toddler from scratching their skin by using elbow restraints: Scratching can worsen impetigo lesions and lead to further bacterial spread or secondary infection. Using soft restraints like elbow splints can safely discourage scratching and promote healing while preventing the infection from spreading.

Rationale:

A. "Colostrum provides vitamin K which is an essential nutrient for newborns." While vitamin K is essential for clotting, it is not found in sufficient amounts in colostrum. This is why newborns routinely receive a vitamin K injection shortly after birth, rather than relying on breast milk as a source.

B. "Colostrum provides many important antibodies that the newborn lacks." Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, especially IgA, which help protect the newborn from pathogens by providing passive immunity. These antibodies line the infant's gastrointestinal tract and offer critical defense during early life.

C. "Colostrum contains iron, which is important for a newborn's brain development." Although breast milk contains iron, colostrum is not a major source of it. Newborns are typically born with adequate iron stores to last several months, and the primary role of colostrum is immune protection, not iron supplementation.

D. "Colostrum contains a natural diuretic that stimulates the newborn to void." While colostrum has a laxative effect that helps the newborn pass meconium, there is no known diuretic component. Its primary importance lies in delivering antibodies and coating the GI tract to reduce infection risk.