The charge nurse is reviewing transmission-based precautions for four newly admitted clients. Match each client's clinical presentation to the appropriate isolation protocol required for their care.
- A client presenting with fever, nuchal rigidity, and suspected Neisseria meningitidis infection.Implement Droplet Precautions: Place in a private room and wear a standard surgical mask when within 3 feet of the client.
- A client presenting with fever, coryza, and a maculopapular rash suggestive of rubeola.Implement Airborne Precautions: Place in a negative-pressure room and don an N95 respirator prior to entry.
- A client with profuse, watery diarrhea who recently completed a prolonged course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.Implement Contact Enteric Precautions: Don a gown and gloves upon entry and perform hand hygiene exclusively with soap and water.
- A client with a heavily draining sacral pressure ulcer colonized with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).Implement Contact Precautions: Don a gown and gloves upon entry and perform hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub.
Answer
Neisseria meningitidis matches with Droplet Precautions; rubeola (measles) matches with Airborne Precautions; post-antibiotic diarrhea (C. diff) matches with Contact Enteric Precautions (soap and water); VRE matches with Standard Contact Precautions (alcohol-based rub).
The correct pairings accurately reflect the specific pathogen transmission routes and their corresponding infection control requirements. Meningitis is spread by large droplets, requiring a standard surgical mask. Measles is airborne, requiring an N95 mask and an isolation room. Suspected C. diff requires contact precautions with a mandatory modification for soap and water handwashing because its spores resist alcohol. Finally, VRE requires contact precautions but can safely be managed with standard alcohol-based hand hygiene.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions
Estimated Time:1m 30s