CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyEasy
A resident is diagnosed with influenza and placed on droplet precautions. Which PPE must the nurse aide wear when providing care within 3 feet of the resident?
- AGown only
- BN95 respirator and goggles
- CSurgical mask and eye protection
- DSterile gloves only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Surgical mask and eye protection
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask and eye protection to block large respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. An N95 respirator is reserved for airborne diseases like tuberculosis or measles, not influenza.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A gown alone does not protect against respiratory droplets.
- B. N95 is for airborne, not droplet, precautions.
- D. Sterile gloves are unnecessary and do not address respiratory exposure.
Droplet Precautions
Infection control practices used for diseases spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis.
- Requires surgical mask and eye protection within 3 feet
- Different from airborne precautions which need N95
- Examples: flu, pertussis, mumps
Memory trick: Droplets fly short distances, so a simple mask stops the spray.