The nurse is caring for a client with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Which elements of infectious disease precautions are mandatory for the nurse when providing routine care? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_cb48_81e7_b433_07bf95eb9f80_MD0009_00 Isolation is mandatory for clients with conditions that involve airborne transmission, and rooms must use both negative air pressurization and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to avoid contamination. A class N95 or higher particulate respirator must be worn during client care. All clients with symptoms consistent with a suspected airborne illness should be given a surgical mask to wear as soon as they are assessed during triage. Good hand hygiene is always the first and last element of infection control in any client care setting. (Options A and B) Wearing a gown and face shield would be necessary only if the nurse suspected splash of body fluids from procedural client care, not from routine care such as assessment or medication administration. Contact precautions may also be necessary if the tuberculosis is extrapulmonary with draining lesions (eg, cutaneous tuberculosis). (Option E) For client care involving airborne precautions, a class N95 or higher respirator must be used in lieu of a surgical mask to avoid potential exposure to aerosolized particles. Surgical masks are rated for barrier protection for droplet splashing and filtration of large respiratory particles only. Clients should be given surgical masks during their transportation. Educational objective: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions. Clients suspected of having tuberculosis should be given a surgical mask to wear on entering any health care setting. Clients are placed in negative-pressure isolation rooms. Nurses must use a class N95 or higher particulate respirator.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Active Pulmonary