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Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A practical nurse (PN) is educating the parents of a toddler who was recently admitted with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) pneumonia. Which instruction regarding infection control must the nurse provide to the parents before they enter the room?

  1. You must wear a standard surgical mask at all times while inside the room.Answer
  2. B
    You will need to wear a gown and gloves to prevent spreading the infection through contact.
  3. C
    You must be fitted with an N95 respirator mask before visiting your child.
  4. D
    No protective equipment is required as long as you wash your hands before and after your visit.

Answer

The nurse must instruct the parents to wear a standard surgical mask while inside the room.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a respiratory pathogen that spreads via large particle droplets when a client coughs, sneezes, or talks. Standard infection control guidelines dictate that Droplet Precautions be implemented. This requires all healthcare personnel and visitors to wear a standard surgical mask upon entering the room to protect their mucous membranes from exposure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific pathogen and its mode of transmission.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is transmitted through large respiratory droplets generated by coughing or sneezing.
Determining the transmission route is the fundamental first step in selecting the appropriate infection control precautions.
2
Determine the necessary transmission-based precautions based on the pathogen.
Droplet Precautions must be initiated in addition to Standard Precautions.
Large droplets can travel short distances (typically up to 3 feet), requiring specific barrier protection to prevent inhalation by others.
3
Select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for visitors under Droplet Precautions.
A standard surgical mask is required for anyone entering the client's environment.
Surgical masks effectively protect the wearer's mucous membranes (nose and mouth) from exposure to large particle droplets.

Key Concept

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) requires Droplet Precautions, which mandate the use of a standard surgical mask for all healthcare personnel and visitors entering the client's room.
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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