An interdisciplinary team is conducting rounds on a medical-surgical unit housing clients with various infectious diseases. Which of the following observed practices indicate correct adherence to transmission-based precautions? Select all that apply.
- Wearing a standard surgical mask when measuring the blood pressure of a client diagnosed with pertussis.Answer
- BUsing an alcohol-based hand rub after changing the bed linens of a client experiencing norovirus gastroenteritis.
- Placing a standard surgical mask on a client with active pulmonary tuberculosis during transport to the radiology department.Answer
- DRemoving the N95 respirator before exiting the negative-pressure room of a client infected with primary varicella.
- Donning a gown and clean gloves prior to entering the room of a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection.Answer
- FCohorting a newly admitted client with bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis with a client recovering from viral meningitis.
Answer
The correct practices are wearing a surgical mask for pertussis, placing a standard mask on a client with tuberculosis during transport, and donning a gown and gloves before entering an MRSA room.
Appropriate transmission-based precautions are essential to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Pertussis requires droplet precautions, meaning healthcare workers must wear a standard surgical mask when in close contact. For clients with airborne infections like pulmonary tuberculosis, a standard surgical mask must be placed on the client during transport to trap their respiratory secretions. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) requires contact precautions; thus, entering the client's room requires donning a gown and gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions