Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A charge nurse is coordinating the admission of a client diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster. Which of the following infection control measures must the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

  1. Place the client in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR).Answer
  2. Don a fit-tested N95 respirator prior to crossing the threshold of the client's room.Answer
  3. C
    Remove the N95 respirator immediately after completing direct care, while still inside the room.
  4. Wear a disposable gown and gloves upon entering the room.Answer
  5. E
    Keep the client's door open to facilitate frequent monitoring of the lesions.
  6. F
    Delegate the initial education regarding isolation protocols to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).

Answer

The correct actions are placing the client in an AIIR, donning an N95 respirator before entering, and wearing a disposable gown and gloves.
Disseminated herpes zoster is highly contagious and requires both airborne and contact precautions until all lesions are fully crusted. Airborne precautions require the client to be placed in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative air pressure. Healthcare workers must don a fit-tested N95 respirator before entering the room to prevent inhalation of infectious droplet nuclei. Additionally, contact precautions mandate the use of a disposable gown and gloves upon entry to prevent direct contact with the infectious lesions or contaminated surfaces.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transmission routes for the diagnosed condition.
Disseminated herpes zoster is transmitted via both airborne and contact routes.
Accurate identification of transmission routes dictates the required isolation precautions.
2
Determine the necessary environmental controls.
An airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure is required.
Negative air pressure prevents the escape of airborne pathogens.
3
Select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
An N95 respirator, gown, and gloves are necessary.
The respirator protects against airborne transmission, while the gown and gloves protect against contact transmission.

Key Concept

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions
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