Droplet precautions are applicable for patients diagnosed with:

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Diphtheria (specifically pharyngeal diphtheria) is a bacterial infection transmitted through large respiratory droplets.
These droplets are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and they travel short distances (about 3-6 feet).
Droplet precautions, which include wearing a surgical mask when working in close proximity to the patient, are essential to prevent the spread of the infection.
The goal is to block the infectious droplets from contacting the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth of healthcare workers and visitors.

Option A: Shigella is an enteric pathogen that causes gastroenteritis. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not by respiratory droplets.
Option B: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated items in the patient's environment.
Option C: The Hepatitis A virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, similar to Shigella. It does not spread via respiratory droplets.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission-Based Precautions: Droplet Precautions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying and implementing transmission-based precautions is a fundamental nursing responsibility to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), protecting patients, staff, and visitors.
Failure to use appropriate precautions can lead to outbreaks within a healthcare facility, increasing patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
What if? If a patient has cutaneous diphtheria (skin lesions) instead of pharyngeal diphtheria, Contact Precautions would be required, as the infection can spread through contact with the skin lesions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Droplet precautions'.
Recall the definition of droplet precautions: they are used for diseases spread by large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Systematically review each option and determine its primary mode of transmission.
Diphtheria is a well-known respiratory illness transmitted by droplets.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their transmission routes: Shigella (fecal-oral), MRSA (contact), and Hepatitis A (fecal-oral). These all primarily require Contact Precautions, not Droplet Precautions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QeNy_xKsRt-15kSW4BP7Lt

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 44-46

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 233-235

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.