NCLEX-RNSafety and Infection Prevention and ControlMedium
A client is admitted to the emergency department with suspected measles. The nurse should anticipate implementing which type of transmission-based precautions?
- AAirborne precautions.
- BStandard precautions only.
- CDroplet precautions.
- DContact precautions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Airborne precautions.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through airborne droplets. Therefore, airborne precautions are necessary, which include placing the client in a negative-pressure isolation room and requiring healthcare personnel to wear an N95 respirator mask.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Standard precautions are for all patients; however, additional transmission-based precautions are needed for suspected measles.
- C. Droplet precautions are for infections spread by large respiratory droplets, which typically travel a shorter distance than airborne particles.
- D. Contact precautions are for infections spread by direct or indirect contact, not airborne pathogens like measles.
Measles Precautions
Specific infection control measures to prevent the airborne transmission of the measles virus.
- Requires Airborne Precautions.
- Negative pressure room is essential.
- N95 respirator for healthcare personnel.
Memory trick: Airborne Measles Needs N95 Heroes.