A parent brings their 2-month-old infant to the clinic to receive the recommended primary vaccines. Which instruction should the nurse provide the parent about care of the infant after the injections?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale A. Children, especially infants, should not be given aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain. B. This instruction is unnecessary and overly restrictive. It is not typically required to keep a healthy infant home from daycare after receiving routine vaccinations. Most infants tolerate vaccines well and are not contagious from the vaccines themselves. C. This instruction is overly cautious. Fever after vaccinations is common and usually mild. A low-grade fever (temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C) is a common side effect of vaccinations and can be managed with appropriate measures such as giving extra fluids and using acetaminophen if recommended by the healthcare provider. D. Applying a cool pack directly to the injection site can help relieve discomfort to the injection skin. Instead, gentle comforting measures such as cuddling or applying a clean, cool cloth to the area may help soothe discomfort.