Nursing care of a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents should include:

(choose one best answer)

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because having them share a room with a child with active mumps may expose them to infection and worsen their condition. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents has a weakened immune system and is more susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Therefore, they should be placed in a private room or cohorted with another immunosuppressed child.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because restricting oral fluids may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may have increased fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweating. Therefore, they should be encouraged to drink adequate fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because strict isolation may cause psychological distress and social isolation in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may benefit from protective isolation, which involves using standard precautions and additional measures such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection when in contact with the child or their body fluids. However, strict isolation, which involves limiting visitors and activities, may harm the child's emotional and developmental well-being.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because using good handwashing is essential nursing care for a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause infections. The nurse should wash their hands before and after touching the child or their belongings, and teach the child and their family members to do the same. The nurse should also use alcohol-based hand rubs when water and soap are not available.

Choice A: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not 2 weeks. The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases that can cause respiratory infections, nerve damage, or death. The DTaP vaccine is given in five doses at 2, 4, 6, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice B: This information is correct, as the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given within 24 hours of birth or prior to discharge from the hospital. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses at birth, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 18 months of age.

Choice C: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given at 12 to 15 months of age, not 6 months. The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases that can cause fever, rash, swelling of glands, or complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or deafness. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice D: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not on the first birthday. The PCV13 vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. The PCV13 vaccine is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.