The nurse-manager of a pediatric unit needs to assign a room for a 6-month-old diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which room assignment is best for the nurse-manager to make?
A.
Double room with a 4-month-old who has RSV.
B.
Private room with negative air pressure.
C.
Private room furthest from the nurses station.
D.
Double room with a 6-month-old on droplet precautions.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The best room assignment for a 6-month-old diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is:
A. Double room with a 4-month-old who has RSV.
Explanation:
RSV is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing respiratory issues such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. To minimize the risk of transmission and ensure proper care, it’s crucial to follow appropriate infection control practices.
Here’s why option A is the most suitable:
- Infection Control Considerations: RSV spreads primarily through direct contact with respiratory secretions or through droplets. Placing two infants with RSV in the same room can be beneficial as it minimizes the risk of cross-infection from other sources. Both infants are already infected with the same virus, reducing the likelihood of introducing additional pathogens into their environment. This helps in containing the virus to a specific area and reduces the overall infection risk.
- Resource Utilization: Placing the infants with RSV together allows for more efficient use of resources, such as nursing staff and equipment. It also makes it easier to implement infection control measures, such as frequent hand washing and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), within a single room.
- Practicality and Safety: A double room with another infant who has RSV does not introduce new variables, making it safer compared to mixing with other children who may have different infections or conditions. It also helps in providing consistent care tailored to the specific needs of RSV-infected patients.
The other options are less appropriate for the following reasons:
- B. Private room with negative air pressure: While RSV is primarily spread through direct contact and droplets, negative air pressure rooms are more commonly used for airborne diseases, like tuberculosis. RSV does not require such isolation methods.
- C. Private room furthest from the nurses’ station: While privacy is important, placing the infant in a room far from the nurses’ station can affect timely monitoring and response, which is crucial for managing RSV symptoms effectively.
- D. Double room with a 6-month-old on droplet precautions: If the other infant is on droplet precautions for a different condition, it may indicate a risk of cross-contamination or exposure to different pathogens. This could potentially increase the risk of further infections.
Overall, placing the 6-month-old with another RSV-positive infant ensures appropriate isolation while minimizing the risk of further infections and optimizing resource utilization.