During the afternoon shift, the radiology department calls for a client who requires a STAT computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head. The client began intravenous antibiotic therapy five hours ago for acute meningococcal meningitis. When preparing the client for transport to the imaging department, what is the required infection control intervention?
- Have the client don a standard surgical mask prior to exiting the room and alert the receiving technologist about the isolation status.Answer
- BInstruct the client to wear an N95 particulate respirator and use a dedicated transport elevator to avoid exposing public areas.
- CEscort the client while wearing an isolation gown, surgical mask, and gloves to prevent cross-contamination in the hospital hallways.
- DRequest that the registered nurse perform the transport, as managing a client under active transmission-based precautions exceeds practical nursing boundaries.
Answer
Have the client don a standard surgical mask prior to exiting the room and alert the receiving technologist about the isolation status.
Meningococcal meningitis is spread through large respiratory droplets and requires droplet precautions until the client has received 24 hours of effective intravenous antibiotic therapy. Because this client has only been treated for five hours, precautions remain active. When a client on droplet precautions must leave their room, infection control standards dictate that the client wear a standard surgical mask to contain secretions (source control), and the receiving department must be notified in advance so they can prepare appropriate environmental controls.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Droplet precautions must be maintained for meningococcal meningitis until 24 hours of antibiotics are completed, and clients must wear a surgical mask during transport for source control.