A practical nurse is assigned to a medical-surgical unit caring for clients with diverse infectious conditions. Which action by the nurse demonstrates the correct application of transmission-based precautions?
- Leaving a dedicated reusable blood pressure cuff and stethoscope inside the room of a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.Answer
- BRemoving the protective surgical mask prior to taking off the isolation gown and gloves when exiting the room of a client who has seasonal influenza.
- CDirecting the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to provide initial instruction to visitors about hand hygiene rules for a client with Clostridioides difficile.
- DPlacing an N95 respirator on a client with active pulmonary tuberculosis who requires transport through the public hallway to the radiology department.
Answer
The correct action is to dedicate specific medical equipment, such as a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, solely for the use of a client on contact precautions for MRSA.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) requires contact precautions. To effectively prevent the transmission of microorganisms to other clients and unit surfaces, healthcare workers must use dedicated, single-use, or reusable equipment that remains in the client's room. This equipment is thoroughly disinfected only upon the client's discharge or discontinuation of precautions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions