A nurse is planning an in-service about isolation precautions for her coworkers. For which of the following infections should the nurse identify the need for contact precautions?
A.
Diphtheria
B.
Herpes simplex
C.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
D.
Pertussis
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
For the given question, the correct answer is:
B. Herpes simplex
Explanation:
Isolation precautions are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. There are different types of precautions—standard, contact, droplet, and airborne—depending on how the infection is transmitted.
Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one such infection that necessitates contact precautions due to its mode of transmission.
Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause both oral and genital infections. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with herpes lesions or through contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva or genital secretions. It can also be spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, such as towels or utensils. Because of these modes of transmission, contact precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of HSV in healthcare settings. This includes wearing gloves and gowns when interacting with the patient or handling items that may be contaminated with the virus.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, so droplet precautions are recommended. However, if the infection involves skin lesions, contact precautions should also be considered.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is spread through airborne droplets when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes. Therefore, airborne precautions, including the use of N95 respirators and maintaining negative pressure rooms, are necessary.
Pertussis
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is spread through respiratory droplets. Droplet precautions are appropriate for managing pertussis.
In summary, while diphtheria, tuberculosis, and pertussis require specific precautions, the herpes simplex virus demands contact precautions due to its transmission through direct or indirect contact with infected materials or surfaces.