28. Which condition should a community health nurse report to the health department?
. Confirmation of acid-fast bacilli.
. Pruritic eruptions from Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).
.Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease).
.Microsporum species (ringworm) in a child who is in preschool.
Test-Taking Tip
Determine the potential for a community outbreak from each option.
Content Area: Adult Health, Communicable Diseases; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Standard/Transmission-based/Other Precautions
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Answer 1 is correct because TB is a bacterial infectious disease that is communicable to others and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Answer 2 is incorrect because scabies is a skin infection associated with an infestation of an itch mite. The mites can be transferred to family members and close contacts, but it is not an infectious disease. Answer 3 is incorrect because Lyme disease is the result of a tick bite and is not infectious. Answer 4 is incorrect because ringworm, while contagious, is a fungal infection.