What preventive measure is recommended for close contacts of a meningococcemia patient?

Prepare for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed. Ace your exam!

The recommended preventive measure for close contacts of a meningococcemia patient is to administer rifampin for 2 days. This antibiotic is effective in eradicating the nasopharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that cause meningococcemia, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to others. It is crucial for close contacts — such as family members, roommates, or anyone who has been in close proximity to the infected individual — to receive chemoprophylaxis to prevent the development of the disease in those who might be exposed.

In terms of the other options, vaccination against measles is not relevant in this context, as it does not protect against meningococcal infection. Daily health monitoring may be beneficial for public health purposes but is not sufficient as a targeted prevention strategy. Isolation from public places does not directly address the risk of transmission and is not typically recommended as a primary preventive approach in these cases. Therefore, the use of rifampin is the appropriate and effective measure for individuals who have been in close contact with a meningococcemia patient.

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