A nurse is caring for several clients who are receiving well-child check-ups. The nurse should identify that the initial diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is indicated for which of the following clients?
Explanation & Rationale
The initial diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is indicated for a 2-month-old infant. The DTaP vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses starting in infancy to provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). The recommended schedule for the DTaP vaccine includes a series of doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with additional booster doses given later in childhood. Therefore, the first dose of DTaP is given to infants at 2 months of age. The other options are incorrect because: b) A 4-month-old infant: By 4 months of age, the second dose of the DTaP vaccine should be administered, not the initial dose. c) A 6-month-old infant: By 6 months of age, the third dose of the DTaP vaccine should be administered, not the initial dose. d) A 15-month-old toddler: By 15 months of age, the toddler would have already received multiple doses of the DTaP vaccine as part of the recommended series. The initial dose is typically given earlier, at 2 months of age.