What action should a nurse take for a postpartum client with a negative rubella titer?

In the case of a postpartum client with a negative rubella titer, obtaining a prescription for immunization at discharge is the appropriate action. A negative rubella titer indicates that the client is not immune to rubella and could be at risk for infection. Since rubella can cause serious fetal complications if a woman becomes infected during a subsequent pregnancy, it is crucial to provide immunization to establish immunity.

Administering the rubella vaccine before discharge offers the opportunity to prevent future infections. The vaccine is a live attenuated virus, so it is typically recommended that women receive it postpartum and avoid conception for at least one month to ensure the safety of future pregnancies.

While checking for allergies to penicillin may be important in cases of administering certain medications, it does not pertain to the rubella vaccination. Alerting the pediatrician or assuring the client of active immunity would not be appropriate either, since they need to know that they are not immune at present and must seek vaccination for future protection. Hence, obtaining a prescription for immunization is the most relevant and responsible action the nurse can take.