A nurse is talking with the parents of a 2-month-old infant who have chosen to not immunize the infant. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "The provider can give you a referral for your baby to see an infectious disease provider.": Referring to a specialist does not address the parents’ knowledge or concerns about immunizations. The priority is to engage in a discussion to understand their perspective. B. "Your baby's immunizations should be up to date before they are able to travel with you by airplane.": Framing immunizations only around travel requirements may seem judgmental and does not address the broader health benefits of vaccination. C. "You don't have to immunize your baby against diseases that are no longer common.": This statement is misleading because many vaccine-preventable diseases can reemerge if immunization rates drop. It could reinforce misconceptions rather than promoting safe health practices. D. "Let's talk about what you already know about immunizing your baby.": Beginning with an open-ended, nonjudgmental discussion allows the nurse to assess the parents’ knowledge, beliefs, and concerns. This approach supports informed decision-making and provides an opportunity for accurate, tailored education about vaccines.