A nurse is preparing for the admission of client who has suspected active tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan to implement to safely care for this client?
A Place the client in a private room with a special ventilation system.
B Modify the protocol for donning and removing personal protective equipment before entering or leaving the client’s room.
C Have staff and visitors wear gowns, masks, and gloves while in the client’s room.
D Assign the client to a room with other clients who require droplet precautions.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A: Place the client in a private room with a special ventilation system.
Explanation:
When caring for a client suspected of having active tuberculosis (TB), specific precautions must be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission. Tuberculosis is primarily spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Therefore, effective airborne infection control measures are crucial.
1. Private Room with Special Ventilation:
Placing the client in a private room equipped with a special ventilation system, often referred to as an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), is the most effective way to prevent the spread of TB. AIIRs are designed to maintain negative pressure relative to the surrounding areas, ensuring that air flows into the room and preventing contaminants from escaping. Additionally, these rooms typically have HEPA filters to further reduce airborne pathogens.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
While it is essential for healthcare providers to wear appropriate PPE (such as N95 respirators) when entering the room of a TB patient, the option (B) to modify PPE protocols is not necessary or appropriate. Standard protocols must be strictly followed to ensure safety.
3. Gowns and Gloves:
Option (C) suggests that staff and visitors wear gowns, masks, and gloves while in the client’s room. While masks (N95 respirators) are crucial, gowns and gloves are not standard for TB precautions unless there is a risk of contamination.
4. Room Assignment:
Option (D) is incorrect because assigning a TB client to a room with others requiring droplet precautions would significantly increase the risk of transmission. TB requires airborne precautions, which are distinct from droplet precautions used for other infections.
In summary, the primary focus in managing a client suspected of active TB is to ensure they are placed in a properly ventilated, private room to minimize the risk of airborne transmission, making option A the correct and safest choice.