Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A nurse is establishing the infection control plan for a client admitted with confirmed seasonal influenza. Which of the following transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

  1. Don a surgical mask immediately upon entering the client's room.Answer
  2. B
    Assign the client to a negative-pressure airborne infection isolation room.
  3. Place a surgical mask on the client if transport to the radiology department is necessary.Answer
  4. Wear an N95 respirator and eye protection if assisting with endotracheal intubation.Answer
  5. E
    Require unlicensed assistive personnel to wear a gown and gloves when delivering the client's meal tray.
  6. F
    Place the client in a shared room with a client who is currently receiving treatment for bacterial meningitis.

Answer

The correct interventions are to don a surgical mask upon room entry, place a surgical mask on the client during transport, and use an N95 respirator with eye protection during aerosol-generating procedures.
Influenza requires droplet precautions. Essential actions include wearing a surgical mask upon room entry and applying a mask to the client during transport for source control. Furthermore, standard protocols must be escalated during aerosol-generating procedures (like intubation) by utilizing an N95 respirator and eye protection to prevent inhalation of aerosolized viral particles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transmission route for the pathogen.
Seasonal influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets, requiring Droplet Precautions.
Determining the correct category of precautions dictates the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental controls.
2
Determine the standard protocols for Droplet Precautions.
Droplet precautions mandate a private room (or cohorting with the exact same infection) and wearing a surgical mask upon room entry.
Large droplets typically travel 3 to 6 feet before falling to surfaces, so a mask is required immediately upon entering the space.
3
Evaluate transport and cohorting protocols.
The client must wear a standard surgical mask when leaving the room. The client cannot be cohorted with a client who has a different infection.
Source control (masking the client) prevents environmental contamination. Cohorting different pathogens causes healthcare-associated infections.
4
Assess exceptions for high-risk procedures.
Aerosol-generating procedures (like intubation) turn large droplets into small aerosols, requiring an upgrade to Airborne Precautions (N95 respirator).
Standard surgical masks do not filter out small aerosolized particles.

Key Concept

Droplet Precautions and Aerosol-Generating Exceptions
Rate this question

Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

More questions from this topic