# Which conditions should the nurse expect to report to public health authorities as required by law? Select all that apply.

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> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=375133&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control  
> category: SIPC

## Question

Which conditions should the nurse expect to report to public health authorities as required by law? Select all that apply.

1

Common cold (rhinovirus) in an adult

2

Confirmed measles in a 4-year-old

3

Foodborne outbreak with multiple Salmonella cases

4

Newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis

5

Suspected meningococcal meningitis with petechial rash

## Explanation

Public-health reportable diseases follow CDC and state lists (NNDSS). Always-reported nationally include measles, pertussis, meningococcal disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis A/B/C (acute), STIs (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia), foodborne outbreaks (Salmonella, E. coli O157, Listeria), and emerging respiratory pathogens. Common cold from rhinovirus is NOT reportable. Reporting supports contact tracing, prophylaxis, outbreak control. Provider/lab/nurse responsibilities differ by state but nurse plays a central role.

## In-depth explanation

Suspected meningococcal disease is reported even before culture confirmation due to public health urgency (close-contact prophylaxis with rifampin/cipro/ceftriaxone).

## Clinical scenario

State and CDC reportable conditions vary; common nationally reportable. Apply Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists list.

## Key concepts

- **reportable disease** — Disease for which clinicians and labs are legally required to notify public health.
- **NNDSS** — National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System operated by the CDC.
- **contact tracing** — Identifying and notifying exposed individuals to prevent further transmission.

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