What should a nurse manager's first reaction be if a nurse is observed cleansing a vaccination site with alcohol before a smallpox vaccination?

When a nurse observes a colleague cleansing a vaccination site with alcohol before administering a smallpox vaccination, the immediate concern is ensuring best practices in infection control. Alcohol is not an appropriate antiseptic for cleansing vaccination sites for certain vaccines, including smallpox, due to potential adverse effects on the efficacy of the vaccine.

Stopping the nurse from giving the vaccination is a necessary action because the use of alcohol in this context could compromise the vaccine's effectiveness. By intervening, the nurse manager prioritizes patient safety and adherence to proper protocols. It is crucial to maintain a high standard of care, particularly when dealing with vaccinations that have specific preparation requirements. This intervention helps prevent patient harm and upholds the standards of practice for vaccination administration, demonstrating the importance of vigilant oversight in clinical settings.