A nurse is caring for a client who has active tuberculosis (TB). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to prevent the transmission of the disease?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Initiate contact precautions for the client upon admission. This is incorrect because contact precautions are not sufficient to prevent the spread of TB, which is an airborne disease that can travel through small droplets in the air. B. Restrict visitors from entering the client's room during hospitalization. This is incorrect because visitors can enter the client's room as long as they wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection. C. Wear a surgical mask while providing care for the client. This is incorrect because a surgical mask does not filter out small airborne particles that carry TB bacteria. The nurse should wear an N95 respirator or higher level of respiratory protection when caring for a client who has active TB. D. Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room. This is correct because a surgical mask can reduce the amount of droplets that are expelled by the client when coughing or sneezing, thus minimizing the risk of infecting others in common areas or hallways.