The nurse is reviewing a client’s chart and notes that the child is in droplet precautions for pneumonia. What protection would she need to take in caring for the child?

Choice A reason: Gown, handwashing, and gloves are used for contact precautions, not droplet precautions, which require a mask to prevent respiratory droplet transmission. Pneumonia spreads via droplets, making gowns and gloves excessive, and this combination incorrect for the specific infection control needed in this scenario. Choice B reason: Handwashing and gloves protect against contact transmission but do not address respiratory droplets in pneumonia, which requires a mask. Droplet precautions prioritize airway protection, making this incomplete and incorrect for the nurse’s protective measures in caring for a child with pneumonia. Choice C reason: Droplet precautions for pneumonia require a mask to block respiratory droplets and handwashing to prevent fomite transmission. This combination aligns with infection control guidelines for droplet-borne infections, making it the correct choice for the nurse’s protective measures in this clinical scenario. Choice D reason: Gown, gloves, and mask are used for airborne or contact precautions, not droplet precautions. Pneumonia requires only a mask and handwashing, as droplets are the primary transmission mode, making this excessive and incorrect for the specific precautions needed for this child’s care.