Question

Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A practical nurse receives a transfer client from the emergency department who has a confirmed diagnosis of seasonal influenza. Which infection control interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

  1. Place the client in a standard private room.Answer
  2. Put on a surgical mask before entering the client's room.Answer
  3. Apply a surgical mask to the client when transport to another department is necessary.Answer
  4. D
    Wear a fit-tested N95 respirator when providing routine care.
  5. E
    Don a clean gown and gloves before measuring the client's vital signs.
  6. F
    Keep the client's room under negative air pressure.

Answer

The nurse should place the client in a standard private room, put on a surgical mask before entering, and apply a surgical mask to the client if transport outside the room is necessary.
Seasonal influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets. To prevent transmission, droplet precautions require placing the client in a private room and the use of a standard surgical mask by healthcare workers when entering the room. Furthermore, if the client must leave the isolation environment, they must wear a surgical mask to contain their respiratory secretions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mode of transmission for the specified pathogen.
Seasonal influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets.
Knowing the transmission route determines the specific category of transmission-based precautions required.
2
Select the appropriate barrier precautions and room assignments for droplet transmission.
Droplet precautions require a private room and a surgical mask for healthcare workers.
Large droplets typically travel only short distances (about 3 to 6 feet) before settling, requiring standard masking rather than specialized ventilation.
3
Differentiate droplet requirements from airborne and contact precautions to eliminate incorrect interventions.
N95 respirators, negative pressure rooms, and routine gown/glove use are ruled out.
Applying the wrong precautions demonstrates a misunderstanding of specific infection control protocols.

Key Concept

Droplet Precautions Protocol
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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