Question

Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A client diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis is transferred to the general medical unit. Which infection control measures are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

  1. Place the client in a single-patient room.Answer
  2. Wear a surgical mask when entering the client's room.Answer
  3. Place a surgical mask on the client during transport to other departments.Answer
  4. D
    Ensure the client is placed in a negative-pressure isolation room.
  5. E
    Don an N95 respirator before performing the physical assessment.
  6. F
    Require all staff to wear a protective gown for any entry into the room.

Answer

The correct infection control measures for a client with meningococcal meningitis include placing the client in a single-patient room, wearing a surgical mask when entering the room, and placing a surgical mask on the client during transport.
Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through large respiratory droplets. Droplet precautions require a private room (or cohorting with clients having the same active infection), healthcare workers to wear a standard surgical mask upon entry or when within 3 feet of the client, and the client to wear a surgical mask if they must leave the room for essential transport.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pathogen and its specific mode of transmission.
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitidis and is transmitted via large respiratory droplets.
Knowing the transmission route dictates the required isolation category.
2
Determine the appropriate isolation category based on the transmission route.
Droplet precautions must be initiated.
Droplet precautions are specifically designed to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens spread through close respiratory or mucous membrane contact with respiratory secretions.
3
Select the interventions that align with droplet precaution guidelines.
A single-patient room, surgical masks for staff entering the room, and surgical masks for the client during transport are selected.
These measures directly block the transmission of large droplets.

Key Concept

Droplet Precautions
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