Following a positive sputum acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear, an adult client is placed in an airborne infection isolation room. As the care team coordinates daily care, which specific precautions must be enforced? (Select all that apply.)
- Ensure the isolation room maintains negative pressure with at least 6 to 12 air changes per hour.Answer
- Place a standard surgical mask over the client's mouth and nose when transport outside the room is necessary.Answer
- Require all healthcare personnel to don a fit-tested N95 respirator or PAPR prior to entering the client's room.Answer
- DDelegate the initial education regarding cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
- EDiscontinue airborne precautions once the client completes 24 hours of appropriate antitubercular pharmacotherapy.
- FKeep the client's room door propped open slightly to promote continuous air circulation with the hallway.
Answer
The correct interventions are maintaining negative pressure with 6-12 air changes per hour, placing a surgical mask on the client during transport, and requiring all healthcare personnel to wear an N95 respirator or PAPR before entering.
Active pulmonary tuberculosis requires strict airborne precautions because the pathogen is transmitted via very small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air. Proper management involves placing the client in a negative-pressure Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) with 6 to 12 air changes per hour. Furthermore, all personnel must wear respiratory protection (N95 or PAPR) when entering the space, and the client must wear a standard surgical mask to contain their own respiratory secretions during any essential transport.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Airborne Precautions for Tuberculosis Management