A nurse is caring for a child who has pertussis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse initiate?
A.
Droplet
B.
Contact
C.
Airborne
D.
Protective
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Droplet.
Explanation:
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, the most appropriate precaution to prevent the spread of pertussis is the implementation of droplet precautions.
Droplet Precautions are essential because they protect against microorganisms that are spread via large respiratory droplets. These droplets can be generated when a patient coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, and they can be inhaled by others who are in close proximity. To manage droplet precautions, healthcare providers should:
- Wear a Surgical Mask: This helps to prevent the inhalation of droplets that might contain the bacteria. Masks should be worn within 3 feet of the patient.
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers helps to minimize the risk of transferring pathogens to other surfaces or individuals.
- Ensure Proper Patient Placement: If possible, the patient should be placed in a single room or in a room with other patients who have the same infection to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.
Contact Precautions are typically used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items, such as MRSA or C. difficile. Pertussis is not spread through contact with surfaces, so contact precautions are not the primary measure here.
Airborne Precautions are used for infections that are spread via tiny airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods, such as tuberculosis or measles. Pertussis is not spread through airborne particles.
Protective Precautions (or Protective Environment) are generally for patients who are immunocompromised to prevent infection from environmental sources. This does not apply to pertussis.
By adhering to droplet precautions, the spread of pertussis can be effectively minimized, protecting both healthcare providers and other patients.