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Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Match each client clinical scenario to the most appropriate infection control precaution category required for their care.

  • A client presenting with hemoptysis, night sweats, and a sputum smear positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB).Airborne Precautions
  • A client admitted with a persistent hacking cough and a confirmed diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.Droplet Precautions
  • A client presenting with intense pruritus and an active infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei.Contact Precautions
  • A client with a history of chronic hepatitis C admitted for management of hepatic encephalopathy.Standard Precautions

Answer

Acid-fast bacilli maps to Airborne Precautions. Mycoplasma pneumoniae maps to Droplet Precautions. Sarcoptes scabiei maps to Contact Precautions. Hepatitis C maps to Standard Precautions.
Each client scenario presents a unique transmission risk. Acid-fast bacilli (tuberculosis) requires Airborne Precautions due to small aerosolized particles. Mycoplasma pneumoniae requires Droplet Precautions for large respiratory secretions. Sarcoptes scabiei requires Contact Precautions due to direct skin-to-skin transmission risk. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne pathogen that is safely managed with Standard Precautions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the transmission risk for the client with acid-fast bacilli (AFB).
AFB in sputum indicates pulmonary tuberculosis, requiring Airborne Precautions.
Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air over long distances.
2
Analyze the transmission risk for the client with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is transmitted via large respiratory particles, requiring Droplet Precautions.
These larger droplets do not remain suspended in the air and typically travel no more than 3 feet.
3
Analyze the transmission risk for the client with Sarcoptes scabiei.
Scabies is caused by a mite transmitted through direct skin contact, requiring Contact Precautions.
Gowns and gloves prevent the transfer of the mite to the healthcare worker's clothing and skin.
4
Analyze the transmission risk for the client with Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is bloodborne and does not require isolation; Standard Precautions apply.
Standard precautions protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens without the need for a dedicated isolation room or routine specialized PPE, unless fluid exposure is anticipated.

Key Concept

Appropriate selection of infection control isolation precautions based on the specific pathogen's mode of transmission.
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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