A client is admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected Neisseria meningitidis infection and is initially placed on standard and droplet precautions. The client's respiratory status rapidly deteriorates, necessitating an emergent endotracheal intubation. Which combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) must the nurse wear while assisting the healthcare provider with this procedure?
- N95 respirator, eye protection, clean gown, and non-sterile glovesAnswer
- BSurgical mask, eye protection, clean gown, and non-sterile gloves
- CN95 respirator, eye protection, sterile gown, and sterile gloves
- DSurgical mask, clean gown, and non-sterile gloves
Answer
The nurse must wear an N95 respirator, eye protection, a clean gown, and non-sterile gloves.
Endotracheal intubation is an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP). According to evidence-based infection control guidelines, when an AGP is performed on a client with a pathogen typically transmitted via droplets (such as Neisseria meningitidis), precautions must be temporarily escalated to airborne precautions. This requires the use of an N95 respirator (or PAPR) instead of a standard surgical mask. Furthermore, because of the high risk of fluid splashing and aerosol dispersion, full barrier protection including a clean gown, non-sterile gloves, and eye protection (goggles or face shield) is mandatory.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Escalation of droplet precautions to airborne precautions during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).