A practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the infection control requirements for an older adult client admitted with a severe respiratory infection. The client's laboratory results confirm the presence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a urine culture and influenza A from a nasopharyngeal swab. Which combination of infection control interventions is correct for the PN to implement?
- Assign the client to a single-client room, don a standard surgical mask, disposable gown, and gloves before entering, and leave dedicated medical equipment inside the room.Answer
- BPlace the client in a negative-pressure isolation room, don a fit-tested N95 respirator and gloves prior to entering, and remove the personal protective equipment (PPE) immediately after exiting the room.
- CAssign the client to a single-client room, don a standard surgical mask upon entry, and apply a gown and gloves only when anticipating direct contact with the client's urine or respiratory secretions.
- DAssign the client to a single-client room, don a gown and gloves before entering, and perform hand hygiene exclusively with soap and water because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against VRE.
Answer
The correct action is to assign the client to a single-client room, put on a standard surgical mask, disposable gown, and gloves prior to entering, and ensure that dedicated medical equipment remains inside the room.
The correct answer synthesizes the requirements for both pathogens. Influenza A mandates droplet precautions (a standard surgical mask upon entry), while VRE mandates contact precautions (a disposable gown and gloves upon entry). Because the client has multiple transmissible infections, a single-client room is required. Finally, dedicating reusable medical equipment (such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff) to the client prevents the transmission of VRE to other clients or surfaces outside the room.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Synthesizing Multiple Transmission-Based Precautions