A client diagnosed with both Neisseria meningitidis and Clostridioides difficile requires immediate transport to the radiology department for a computerized tomography (CT) scan. Which actions should the practical nurse take to ensure proper transmission-based precautions? Select all that apply.
- Place a standard surgical mask on the client before leaving the isolation room.Answer
- Clean any shared medical equipment used during transport with a bleach-based sporicidal wipe.Answer
- CDon a fit-tested N95 respirator, face shield, isolation gown, and gloves before entering the client's room.
- DRemove the isolation gown and gloves in the hallway immediately after closing the client's door.
- Perform hand hygiene exclusively with soap and water after providing direct client care.Answer
- FDelegate the admission assessment of the client's neurological status to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
Answer
The correct actions are placing a surgical mask on the client, cleaning equipment with a bleach-based wipe, and performing hand hygiene using soap and water.
The scenario requires synthesizing multiple infection control protocols. Neisseria meningitidis is spread via large respiratory droplets, mandating that the client wear a surgical mask outside the room to prevent transmission during transport. Clostridioides difficile is spread via contact and produces highly resilient spores. Therefore, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are completely ineffective; nurses must use the mechanical friction of soap and water for hand hygiene. Furthermore, standard sanitizing wipes do not kill C. difficile spores, meaning any shared equipment must be rigorously disinfected using a bleach-based sporicidal solution.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Synthesizing simultaneous droplet and enteric contact precautions, including appropriate personal protective equipment selection, doffing sequences, and specialized disinfection.