A nurse is discussing contraception with a group of 14-year-old clients.
After the presentation, a client asks the nurse which method would be best for her.
What should the nurse respond?

Choice A rationale

High-absorbency tampons are a known risk factor for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often TSS results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. The condition is caused due to bacterial toxins from Streptococcus or Staphylococcus infection. Bacteria usually enter the body through openings in the skin such as wounds or cuts. The risk factors include open skin wound, having had recent surgery, using superabsorbent tampons or contraceptive sponges. Therefore, the nurse should include the use of high-absorbency tampons in the teaching as increasing the risk for contracting TSS.

Choice B rationale

Travel to foreign countries is not specifically mentioned as a risk factor for TSS. While traveling can expose individuals to a variety of health risks depending on the destination, it is not directly linked with an increased risk of TSS1234.

Choice C rationale

Mosquito bites are not a known risk factor for TSS. Mosquito bites can transmit certain diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, but they are not associated with TSS1234.

Choice D rationale

Having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, but it is not a known risk factor for TSS. TSS is typically associated with superabsorbent tampon use, skin wounds, and recent surgery.

Choice A rationale

A cough and fever in a client at 38 weeks of gestation could indicate an infection, which should be addressed promptly. However, it is not as immediately life-threatening as painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation, which could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption.

Choice B rationale

Nausea and vomiting at 14 weeks of gestation are common symptoms of early pregnancy and, while uncomfortable, are not usually a sign of a serious problem. This client should be seen, but not before a client with a potentially life-threatening condition like painless vaginal bleeding.

Choice C rationale

Painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation is a serious symptom that could indicate placental abruption, a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. This client should be seen first.

Choice D rationale

Vaginal spotting in a client who has missed a period could indicate early pregnancy or a number of other conditions. While this client should be seen to confirm the cause of the spotting, it is not as immediately urgent as painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation.