What must a home health nurse do when caring for a child diagnosed with Lyme disease?

The role of the home health nurse in caring for a child diagnosed with Lyme disease includes informing the state health department, as Lyme disease is a reportable condition in many jurisdictions. This notification is crucial because it helps public health officials track and manage potential outbreaks and monitor the incidence of the disease in that area. Reporting assists in implementing measures to control the spread of Lyme disease and contributes to the broader public health understanding of its impact.

While informing the child's school or scheduling regular follow-ups could be beneficial for the child's health management and education about prevention is vital, these actions do not directly fulfill the legal and public health responsibilities that accompany the diagnosis of a communicable disease like Lyme disease. Reporting to the health department ensures that appropriate surveillance and prevention strategies can be put in place to protect the community as a whole.