A practical nurse is preparing to transport a client diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) from a negative-pressure isolation room to the radiology department for a scheduled diagnostic test. Which action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take to prevent the spread of infection during this transport?
- Place a standard surgical mask over the client's nose and mouth before exiting the isolation room.Answer
- BPlace a fitted N95 respirator on the client to ensure maximum filtration of exhaled infectious particles.
- CWear a fluid-resistant gown and clean gloves while pushing the client's wheelchair through the hospital corridors.
- DInstruct the receiving radiology personnel to wear a standard surgical mask during the diagnostic procedure.
Answer
The correct action is to place a standard surgical mask over the client's nose and mouth before they leave the isolation room.
When a client on airborne precautions must leave their isolation room for essential purposes like diagnostic testing, the standard protocol is to apply a surgical mask over the client's nose and mouth. This acts as source control, trapping infectious respiratory secretions and preventing the aerosolization of droplet nuclei into the ambient air of the hospital corridors.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Airborne Precautions During Client Transport