A client presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, photophobia, and nuchal rigidity. The healthcare provider suspects bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.
- Place the client in a single-patient private room.Answer
- BWear a fit-tested N95 respirator when providing direct client care.
- Apply a surgical mask to the client during transport to the radiology department.Answer
- DMaintain the client in a room with negative-pressure directional airflow.
- Instruct visitors to wear a surgical mask while in the client's room.Answer
- FAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to perform the initial neurological checks.
Answer
The correct interventions include placing the client in a single-patient private room, applying a surgical mask to the client during transport, and instructing visitors to wear a surgical mask.
Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through large respiratory droplets, requiring the implementation of droplet precautions. Essential droplet precautions include placing the client in a single-patient room, requiring healthcare workers and visitors to wear a surgical mask when entering the room, and having the client wear a surgical mask when transport outside the room is necessary to contain secretions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Droplet Precautions and Safe Delegation