A 5-year-old boy with mumps is being transferred to the pediatric unit. Which nursing intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Place an isolation cart outside of the room to initiate droplet precautions: Mumps is a viral infection transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected respiratory secretions. Implementing droplet precautions immediately upon admission is essential to prevent transmission to other children, staff, and visitors. Establishing an isolation cart ensures appropriate infection control measures are used before anyone enters the room. B. Assign the child to a room close to the nurse's station: Placing a child near the nurse’s station may be helpful for frequent observation in cases involving high fall risk, behavioral concerns, or unstable conditions. However, mumps does not require continuous close observation. The primary priority is preventing the spread of infection through proper isolation precautions. C. Schedule bedside play time with the occupational therapist: Therapeutic play and occupational therapy can support development and coping during hospitalization. However, arranging play activities is not the immediate priority for a child with a communicable viral illness. Infection control measures must be implemented first to reduce the risk of spread. D. Instruct the child's parents about the need for transmission precautions: Education of parents about transmission precautions is important so they can participate in infection control practices and protect themselves and others. Nevertheless, teaching occurs after immediate safety measures are established.