A nurse is caring for a child who has pertussis. The child's parent asks the nurse what the common name for this disease is. The nurse should respond with which of the following common names?

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because the BCG vaccine is not recommended for adolescents in the United States. The BCG vaccine is a vaccine that protects against tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and other organs. It may be used for children who live in countries where TB is common or who have a high risk of exposure to TB, but it is not routinely given in the United States because of the low incidence of TB and the possibility of false-positive results on TB skin tests.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not recommended for adolescents unless they have certain medical conditions. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is a vaccine that protects against pneumococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. It may be used for adults who are 65 years or older or who have chronic diseases, immunosuppression, or cochlear implants, but it is not routinely given to adolescents who are healthy.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the influenza vaccine is recommended for adolescents every year, not just before college. The influenza vaccine is a vaccine that protects against influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It may be given as an injection or a nasal spray, and it may prevent or reduce the severity of influenza and its complications. It is recommended for everyone who is 6 months or older, especially those who have a high risk of influenza-related complications.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for adolescents before college. The meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, septicemia, or death. It may be given as a single dose or a booster dose, and it may prevent outbreaks of meningococcal disease in crowded settings such as dormitories or military barracks. It is recommended for adolescents who are 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at 16 years old, or for those who are entering college and have not been previously vaccinated.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because mumps is not the common name for pertussis. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands. It may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks or jaw. It can be prevented by vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because whooping cough is the common name for pertussis. Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells, which may be followed by a high-pitched whoop sound or vomiting. It may cause complications such as pneumonia, seizures, or brain damage, especially in infants and young children. It can be prevented by vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the fifth disease is not the common name for pertussis. The fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a rash on the face, trunk, and limbs, which may resemble a slapped cheek appearance. It may cause mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or joint pain. It usually affects children and is self-limiting.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because chickenpox is not the common name for pertussis. Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters all over the body. It may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, or loss of appetite. It can be prevented by vaccination with the varicella-zoster (VZV) vaccine.