A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has mononucleosis. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

A. Airborne: Airborne precautions are used for infections transmitted via small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or varicella. Mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is not transmitted via airborne particles, so airborne precautions are unnecessary. B. Droplet: Mononucleosis is primarily transmitted through saliva and close respiratory contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils. Droplet precautions—including wearing a mask when within close contact and practicing hand hygiene—help prevent the spread of infectious respiratory secretions to others in the healthcare setting. C. Contact: Contact precautions are indicated for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, such as MRSA or Clostridioides difficile. Since mononucleosis is spread via respiratory droplets and saliva, contact precautions alone are insufficient. D. Protective environment: Protective environment precautions are used to protect immunocompromised clients from exposure to environmental pathogens. They are not necessary for clients with mononucleosis, as the concern is preventing transmission from the infected client, not protecting them from infection.