The emergency department (ED) is caring for a 9-month-old male client who was brought to the ED for nasal congestion, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The client and his sister both attend daycare daily while their parents are at work. The sister has been acting a bit run down but has not had a fever or oxygen deficit.
Exhibits
Chart Reviewed
For each statement, click to indicate whether the statement is true or false.
A. Hand washing only needs to be performed when exiting the client’s room.
B. This client requires contact and droplet precautions.
C. A gown and gloves should be worn any time there is potential for contact with secretions.
D. A mask should always be worn when in the client’s room.
E. This client would require a private room if admitted.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A. Hand washing only needs to be performed when exiting the client’s room.
Answer: False
Hand washing should be performed not only when exiting but also before entering the room, before and after touching the patient, and after any potential exposure to bodily fluids, even if gloves are worn. Hand hygiene is a key infection control measure to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings, especially when dealing with respiratory illnesses. Washing hands helps reduce the spread of pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza, which could be causing the client’s symptoms.
B. This client requires contact and droplet precautions.
Answer: True
The client’s symptoms, including nasal congestion, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, suggest a respiratory illness. In cases of respiratory infections, particularly in young children, droplet and contact precautions are typically necessary. Droplet precautions prevent the spread of infections like RSV or influenza, which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Contact precautions are also important because respiratory secretions can contaminate surfaces, spreading the infection to others. Healthcare providers should wear gloves, gowns, and masks when in close contact with the client.
C. A gown and gloves should be worn any time there is potential for contact with secretions.
Answer: True
Wearing gowns and gloves is a critical measure when there is a risk of contact with respiratory secretions or bodily fluids. This helps protect healthcare workers from potential contamination and prevents the spread of infections from one patient to another. In respiratory illnesses, secretions from the nose, mouth, or coughing are highly contagious, so personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns should be worn when handling these secretions.
D. A mask should always be worn when in the client’s room.
Answer: False
A mask should be worn in the client’s room if there is a risk of exposure to respiratory droplets, particularly within a 3-foot radius. However, it is not necessary to always wear a mask if there is no close contact. Standard precautions based on the situation determine when a mask is needed, such as during activities that generate respiratory droplets (e.g., coughing, suctioning). However, the mask is essential when providing direct care to the client.
E. This client would require a private room if admitted.
Answer: True
Due to the client’s respiratory symptoms, placing the child in a private room is advisable if admitted. This helps contain the spread of the infection to other vulnerable clients in a hospital setting. Young children, especially those in daycare, are often vectors for contagious diseases like RSV, which can spread quickly in shared spaces. A private room limits cross-contamination and facilitates infection control measures.