A nurse is caring for a patient who has influenza. What type of transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement for this patient?
A.
Contact precautions
B.
Droplet precautions
C.
Airborne precautions
D.
Neutropenic precautions
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Droplet precautions.
Explanation:
Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, which are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel a short distance (typically up to six feet) and can be inhaled by individuals nearby, making droplet precautions essential in preventing the spread of the virus.
When caring for a patient with influenza, nurses and other healthcare workers should implement droplet precautions to protect themselves and others. This involves several key measures:
- Masking: Healthcare providers should wear a surgical mask when entering the room of a patient with influenza. This helps prevent inhalation of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus.
- Patient Masking: If the patient is able to wear a mask, they should do so when being transported outside their room, minimizing the risk of spreading the virus to others.
- Room Placement: Ideally, patients with influenza should be placed in a private room. If this is not feasible, cohorting with other patients who have the same infection can be considered, but precautions must still be maintained.
- Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is crucial before and after patient contact, as well as after touching surfaces in the patient’s environment.
- Environmental Cleaning: Surfaces in the patient’s room should be cleaned and disinfected frequently, especially high-touch areas.
- Education: Educating both staff and patients about the importance of droplet precautions can enhance compliance and reduce the risk of transmission.
While influenza can also spread via contact and, to a lesser extent, aerosolized particles in certain situations, the primary mode of transmission aligns with droplet precautions. Therefore, implementing these measures is essential for protecting both the patient and the healthcare team from further spread of the virus.