A charge nurse has four new clients arriving on the unit for admission. Which of the following clients should the nurse place in airborne precautions?
A client who has tuberculosis.
A client who has pneumonia.
A client who has shigella.
A client who has strep throat.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through airborne particles. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air, which can be inhaled by others1. Therefore, placing a client with TB in airborne precautions is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. This involves using a negative pressure room and requiring healthcare workers to wear N95 respirators or higher-level protection.
Choice B Reason:
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. While pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, it is typically spread through respiratory droplets rather than airborne particles. Therefore, droplet precautions, rather than airborne precautions, are usually sufficient for managing clients with pneumonia. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person.
Choice C Reason:
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and is spread through the fecal-oral route. It is not transmitted through the air, so airborne precautions are not necessary. Instead, contact precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of Shigella, which involves wearing gloves and gowns when handling the patient or their environment and practicing good hand hygiene.
Choice D Reason:
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Similar to pneumonia, droplet precautions are sufficient for managing clients with strep throat. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Airborne precautions are necessary for clients with tuberculosis (TB) because TB is an airborne disease. It is transmitted through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These precautions include placing the client in a negative pressure room, using N95 respirators for healthcare workers, and ensuring the client wears a surgical mask when outside their room. These measures help prevent the spread of TB to others.
Choice B Reason:
Protective precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are used to protect immunocompromised patients from infections. These precautions are not appropriate for a client with TB, as the primary concern is preventing the spread of TB from the infected client to others, not protecting the client from external infections.
Choice C Reason:
Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment, such as MRSA or C. difficile. TB is not spread through contact but through airborne particles, so contact precautions are not sufficient for preventing the transmission of TB.
Choice D Reason:
Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread through large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. While TB is a respiratory disease, it is spread through much smaller airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods, making airborne precautions necessary instead of droplet precautions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Physical therapist
Physical therapists primarily focus on improving a patient’s physical function, mobility, and strength. They work on activities such as walking, balance, and coordination1. While they play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of clients with traumatic brain injuries, their expertise is not specifically centered on activities of daily living (ADLs) like using eating utensils.
Choice B: Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists specialize in helping clients regain the ability to perform ADLs, which include tasks such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They use therapeutic techniques to improve fine motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function, which are essential for relearning how to use eating utensils. Their goal is to enhance the client’s independence and quality of life by enabling them to perform everyday activities.
Choice C: Speech-language pathologist
Speech-language pathologists focus on communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. They work with clients to improve speech, language, and cognitive-communication skills. While they are essential for addressing issues related to speech and swallowing, they do not typically focus on the motor skills required for using eating utensils.
Choice D: Social worker
Social workers provide support and resources to help clients and their families cope with the emotional, social, and financial aspects of a traumatic brain injury. They assist with discharge planning, accessing community resources, and providing counseling. However, they do not provide direct rehabilitation services related to the use of eating utensils.