A client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with night sweats, hemoptysis, and a recent positive stool assay for *Clostridioides difficile*. The healthcare provider suspects active pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following infection control interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- Place the client in a private, negative-pressure isolation room with a minimum of six air exchanges per hour.Answer
- BPerform hand hygiene utilizing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately upon exiting the client's room.
- Don a fit-tested N95 respirator, disposable gown, and gloves before entering the client's environment.Answer
- DApply an N95 respirator to the client prior to transporting them through the hallway for a diagnostic chest x-ray.
- EAssign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to instruct the client's family regarding the required personal protective equipment.
- Dedicate reusable medical equipment, such as a stethoscope and thermometer, exclusively to this client's room.Answer
Answer
The nurse should place the client in a negative-pressure room, don an N95 respirator along with a gown and gloves, and dedicate reusable medical equipment to the client's room.
The client's clinical presentation requires a combination of Airborne Precautions (for suspected pulmonary tuberculosis) and Contact/Enteric Precautions (for C. difficile). Proper management necessitates an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (negative pressure) to prevent droplet nuclei spread. Additionally, the nurse must use an N95 respirator for airborne protection, plus a gown and gloves to prevent contact with enteric spores. Dedicating medical equipment to the room is a standard requirement of Contact Precautions to break the chain of transmission.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Dual Transmission-Based Precautions (Airborne and Contact/Enteric)