Before administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, which action should the nurse take?

Before administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Check the infant for jaundice
• B. Check the infant's temperature
• C. Obtain parental consent to administer the vaccine
• D. Request that a hepatitis blood screen be performed on the infant

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that vaccines require informed consent from parents. Before giving the hepatitis B vaccine to a newborn, the nurse should obtain parental consent so that parents understand the purpose, benefits, and potential risks and can ask questions. This step respects the family's right to make decisions for their child and is a standard part of newborn care and vaccination practice. The other actions listed aren’t the required prelude to vaccination: they don’t involve obtaining consent, and a hepatitis blood screen isn’t needed just to administer the vaccine.

The main idea here is that vaccines require informed consent from parents. Before giving the hepatitis B vaccine to a newborn, the nurse should obtain parental consent so that parents understand the purpose, benefits, and potential risks and can ask questions. This step respects the family's right to make decisions for their child and is a standard part of newborn care and vaccination practice. The other actions listed aren’t the required prelude to vaccination: they don’t involve obtaining consent, and a hepatitis blood screen isn’t needed just to administer the vaccine.