A nurse is preparing to admit a client with suspected *Neisseria meningitidis* meningitis who also has a heavily draining, uncontained leg ulcer infected with Vancomycin-resistant *Enterococcus* (VRE). Which infection control interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- Don a standard surgical mask upon entering the client's room.Answer
- Put on a disposable gown and clean gloves prior to room entry.Answer
- Dedicate a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer exclusively for this client.Answer
- DPlace the client in a negative-pressure airborne infection isolation room.
- EInstruct visitors that they must wear a fit-tested N95 respirator while in the room.
- FWash hands exclusively with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill VRE.
Answer
The nurse should don a standard surgical mask, put on a disposable gown and gloves upon entry, and dedicate noncritical assessment equipment solely for this client.
The client requires concurrent droplet and contact precautions. Neisseria meningitidis is transmitted via large respiratory droplets, requiring the nurse to wear a standard surgical mask upon room entry. The uncontained VRE infection requires contact precautions, which mandate donning a gown and gloves upon entry and dedicating noncritical patient-care equipment (such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff) to the client to prevent cross-contamination.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Concurrent Application of Droplet and Contact Precautions