A charge nurse is reviewing infection control protocols with a group of newly hired nurses on a medical-surgical unit. Match each client clinical scenario with the most appropriate infection control precaution, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirement, or room assignment.
- A client with disseminated herpes zoster and weeping vesicular lesions.Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) with staff wearing an N95 respirator, gown, and gloves.
- A client with active Clostridioides difficile experiencing frequent, uncontained diarrhea.Private room, gown, gloves, and strict hand hygiene using soap and water.
- A client with suspected Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) epiglottitis, admitted 6 hours ago.Private room, with staff wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the client.
- A client with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis being transported out of the room for a stat CT scan.Client wears a standard surgical mask over their nose and mouth; staff use standard precautions.
Answer
The correct matching pairs each clinical scenario with its precise transmission-based precaution, considering high-acuity nuances like combined airborne and contact precautions for disseminated viral infections, specific soap-and-water hand hygiene for spores, and proper source control during patient transport.
Each clinical scenario corresponds to a highly specific infection control requirement based on the pathogen's mode of transmission, physical characteristics (e.g., spore formation), or current clinical phase (e.g., active transport out of the unit).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions