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Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A client in an acute care facility is placed on contact precautions due to a vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection. Which action by the licensed practical nurse (LPN) demonstrates the correct application of infection control protocols?

  1. Leaving a dedicated stethoscope and blood pressure cuff inside the client's room for the duration of the admissionAnswer
  2. B
    Removing the isolation gown and gloves in the hallway immediately after exiting the client's room
  3. C
    Wearing a fitted N95 respirator mask whenever providing direct physical care to the client
  4. D
    Delegating the daily evaluation of the infection site's healing progress to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to limit room entries

Answer

Leaving dedicated medical equipment in the client's room.
Contact precautions are strictly required for clients with VRE to prevent the transmission of microorganisms through direct or indirect physical contact. Using dedicated, single-patient-use equipment (such as a stethoscope, thermometer, and blood pressure cuff) and leaving it inside the room significantly minimizes the risk of cross-contamination to other clients and hospital staff.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mode of transmission for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
VRE is transmitted via direct or indirect contact with the client or contaminated surfaces.
Determining the transmission route dictates the specific type of isolation precautions required.
2
Determine the required interventions for contact precautions.
Standard contact precaution protocols require a private room, gloves, an isolation gown, and dedicated patient-care equipment.
These measures create a barrier that prevents the physical transfer of the pathogen to healthcare workers and other environments.
3
Evaluate the provided options against infection control standards and the LPN scope of practice.
Dedicating equipment to the client's room is the only safe and appropriate action.
The other actions represent critical errors in doffing locations, appropriate PPE selection, and task delegation.

Key Concept

Contact Precautions and Dedicated Equipment
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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