A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia caused by Hemophilus influenzae type B. Which of the following types of isolation precautions should the nurse implement?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: 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. Haemophilus influenzae type B pneumonia is transmitted through larger respiratory droplets, which do not remain airborne for long periods. Airborne precautions are not required in this scenario. B. Droplet: Droplet precautions are indicated for infections spread by large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Haemophilus influenzae type B can be transmitted this way, so the nurse should implement droplet precautions, including wearing a surgical mask within 3 feet of the client, practicing hand hygiene, and using dedicated equipment. C. Protective environment: Protective environment precautions are designed to protect immunocompromised clients, such as those with stem cell transplants, from acquiring infections. These measures include specialized ventilation and strict PPE use by healthcare providers. They are not required for managing a client with H. influenzae pneumonia. D. Contact: Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or contaminated surfaces, such as MRSA or C. difficile. Haemophilus influenzae is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets rather than contact with surfaces, so contact precautions alone are not sufficient.