Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

An occupational health nurse is instructing clinic staff on proper isolation procedures for a client who has been diagnosed with rubella. Which transmission-based precaution interventions should the staff implement? Select all that apply.

  1. Place the client in a standard private room.Answer
  2. B
    Ensure the room maintains negative air pressure with the door closed.
  3. Wear a standard surgical mask upon entering the client's room.Answer
  4. D
    Don a fit-tested N95 respirator before entering the client's room.
  5. Apply a standard surgical mask to the client when transfer outside the room is necessary.Answer
  6. F
    Wash hands exclusively with soap and water after removing personal protective equipment.

Answer

The correct interventions are placing the client in a standard private room, wearing a standard surgical mask upon entry, and applying a surgical mask to the client during transport.
Rubella (German measles) is transmitted via large respiratory droplets, requiring droplet precautions. Appropriate interventions include placing the client in a standard private room, wearing a surgical mask upon entry, and applying a surgical mask to the client if they must leave the room. Standard precautions, including routine hand hygiene with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, also apply.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mode of transmission for the diagnosed pathogen.
Rubella (German measles) is transmitted via large respiratory droplets.
Determining the transmission route is necessary to select the correct tier of isolation precautions.
2
Determine the appropriate isolation category based on transmission.
Droplet precautions are required.
Pathogens spread by large droplets that travel short distances require droplet precautions.
3
Select interventions that align with droplet precautions.
Selected a private room, staff use of surgical masks, and patient masking during transport.
These actions block the transmission of large droplets from the respiratory tract.

Key Concept

Rubella requires droplet precautions, which involve source control (patient masking during transport), spatial separation (private room), and staff PPE (surgical mask).
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