PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

Which statement by a client should prompt the nurse to postpone administering an influenza vaccine?

1. "I am allergic to shrimp."

2. "I am allergic to latex balloons."

3. "I had a tuberculosis skin test 2 days ago."

4. "I had a low fever this morning."

The correct answer is: "I had a low fever this morning."

The statement indicating that the client had a low fever that morning is significant because it suggests the possibility of an underlying infection or illness. Administering a vaccine during an active illness, especially if accompanied by fever, can lead to an increased risk of adverse reactions. Vaccines are typically recommended to be given when the recipient is in good health to ensure both the effectiveness of the vaccine and the safety of the client. In this context, while allergies to seafood or latex can be important considerations for different types of vaccines, they do not directly contraindicate the administration of the influenza vaccine. Additionally, having a tuberculosis skin test performed does not influence the decision to vaccinate against influenza, as this is unrelated to the flu vaccination. Thus, a low fever is the most relevant indicator that warrants delaying the vaccination to ensure the patient's safety and reduce the risk of complications.