A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. Which of the following types of isolation precautions should the nurse implement?

A. Contact is incorrect because contact precautions are used for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment, such as MRSA or C. difficile. Haemophilus influenzae type B is not primarily spread through contact. B. Droplet is correct. Haemophilus influenzae type B is transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplet precautions require the nurse to wear a surgical mask when within 3–6 feet of the client, and the client should wear a mask if transported outside the room. Hand hygiene and standard precautions are also essential. C. Airborne is incorrect because airborne precautions are reserved for pathogens that remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles, or varicella. H. influenzae type B is not transmitted through airborne particles. D. Protective environment is incorrect because this type of isolation is for immunocompromised clients (e.g., stem cell transplant patients) to prevent them from acquiring infections. It is not used for clients with infectious respiratory diseases.