Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A client diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis is scheduled for an essential computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. The practical nurse (PN) is preparing the client for transport to the radiology department. Which infection control action should the PN implement?

  1. Place a standard surgical mask on the client before exiting the negative-pressure roomAnswer
  2. B
    Place an N95 respirator mask on the client to ensure maximum filtration of exhaled pathogens
  3. C
    Don a clean isolation gown, gloves, and an N95 respirator to wear while wheeling the client through the hallways
  4. D
    Instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to transport the client while leaving the client's room door open to improve ventilation

Answer

Place a standard surgical mask on the client before exiting the negative-pressure room
When a client on airborne precautions (such as for active pulmonary tuberculosis) must leave their negative-pressure room for essential procedures, the primary infection control method is source control. Placing a standard surgical mask over the client's mouth and nose effectively traps expelled respiratory droplets and aerosols, protecting others in the hospital corridors and destination departments without restricting the client's breathing as heavily as an N95 respirator would.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transmission-based isolation requirements for active pulmonary tuberculosis.
The client requires Airborne Precautions, which mandates a negative-pressure room and N95 respirators for staff entering the room.
Tuberculosis is transmitted via small airborne droplet nuclei.
2
Determine the protocol for transporting a client on Airborne Precautions outside of their isolation room.
The transport should be limited to essential purposes only, and the primary infection control strategy shifts to source control.
Protecting the hospital environment and other personnel relies on containing the pathogens at the source (the client's airway).
3
Select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) intervention for the client during transport.
The nurse must apply a standard surgical mask over the client's mouth and nose before leaving the room.
A surgical mask effectively traps expelled respiratory secretions. N95 respirators are not indicated for the client, and staff should not wear isolation gowns in public corridors.

Key Concept

Airborne Precautions Client Transport
Rate this question

Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

More questions from this topic