An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to feed a client who has received a prescription to institute droplet precautions for a bacterial meningitis infection. The UAP requests a change in assignment, reporting having not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is unnecessary because bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, not airborne precautions. Droplet precautions do not require particulate filter masks. Choice B reason: Advising the UAP to wear a standard mask only for vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask is incorrect because particulate filter masks are not required for droplet precautions. This instruction reflects misunderstanding of infection control. Choice C reason: Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask is unnecessary. Particulate filter masks (N95 respirators) are used for airborne precautions (e.g., tuberculosis), not droplet precautions. Choice D reason: A standard face mask is sufficient for droplet precautions, which protect against large respiratory droplets that spread short distances. Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, so the UAP can safely provide care with a standard mask. This is the correct action.