A nurse is participating in a biological disaster simulation where citizens are exposed to pneumonic plague. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to use while caring for these clients?
A.
Initiate droplet precautions.
B.
Administer an antitoxin.
C.
Initiate airborne precautions.
D.
Destroy the linens after use.
The correct answer is:
A. Initiate droplet precautions.
Explanation: Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, especially when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, droplet precautions are essential to prevent the spread of infection in a healthcare setting.
- B. Administer an antitoxin: This would be relevant for diseases like botulism, not pneumonic plague.
- C. Initiate airborne precautions: Airborne precautions are used for infections that spread via smaller respiratory particles, like tuberculosis. Pneumonic plague requires droplet precautions because it spreads through larger respiratory droplets.
- D. Destroy the linens after use: There is no need to destroy linens. Standard infection control procedures, including proper laundering, are sufficient.
Correct answer: A