A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has streptococcal pharyngitis about ways to prevent disease transmission. Which of the following responses by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Radiation therapy can cause immunosuppression, which increases the risk of infection. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of infection such as fever, chills, malaise, or purulent drainage.

1. Examine the skin for generalized urticaria. This is not a common side effect of radiation therapy, as urticaria is an allergic reaction that causes hives or welts on the skin. Radiation therapy can cause localized skin irritation, erythema, or dryness, but not generalized urticaria.
2. Review laboratory test results for low hemoglobin. This is not a direct effect of radiation therapy, as hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. Radiation therapy can cause anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells, but not necessarily low hemoglobin.
3. Monitor the mouth for signs of xerostomia. This is not relevant for a client who receives radiation therapy to treat lung cancer, as xerostomia is dry mouth caused by reduced salivary gland function. This can occur in clients who receive radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancer, but not lung cancer.

Answer: B

Rationale:

A) "Expect your sputum cultures to be negative after 6 months of therapy":

While sputum cultures may become negative after a period of effective therapy, it is not always guaranteed to happen within exactly 6 months. Tuberculosis (TB) treatment usually involves several months of medication, and sputum cultures are monitored periodically to assess treatment efficacy, not solely at the 6-month mark.

B) "Drink at least 8 ounces of water when you take the pyrazinamide tablet":

Drinking plenty of water with pyrazinamide is important to prevent dehydration and to help minimize potential side effects, such as hyperuricemia or gout. Adequate hydration can also aid in the effective elimination of the medication from the body, thus reducing the risk of adverse effects.

C) "Provide a sputum specimen every 2 weeks to the clinic for testing":

Sputum specimens are typically provided less frequently than every 2 weeks, usually monthly, to monitor the progress of TB treatment. Testing frequency may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's recommendations.

D) "Take isoniazid with an antacid":

Isoniazid should not be taken with antacids, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of isoniazid. It is usually advised to take isoniazid on an empty stomach, and clients should be instructed to wait at least 1 hour after taking isoniazid before consuming antacids.