What is the influenza precaution?

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

Influenza is transmitted through large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Droplet Precautions are required to prevent the spread of influenza.
The primary personal protective equipment (PPE) for Droplet Precautions is a surgical mask, which acts as a barrier against inhaling these droplets.
Healthcare workers should wear a mask when coming within 3-6 feet of a patient with influenza.

Option B: While placing a patient in a private room is part of Droplet Precautions, it is not the primary protective action for the healthcare worker. The mask is the essential PPE that prevents inhalation of droplets.
Option C: Frequent handwashing is a component of Standard Precautions, which are applied to every patient to prevent the spread of infection. It is not a specific precaution for the droplet-based transmission of influenza.
Option D: Wearing gloves is part of Standard Precautions and Contact Precautions. It protects against transmission through direct or indirect contact with infectious material, not against respiratory droplets.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Infection Control: Droplet Precautions for Influenza as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying and implementing isolation precautions is a fundamental nursing responsibility to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Failure to use the correct PPE, such as a mask for influenza, puts both healthcare staff and other vulnerable patients at risk of infection.
During seasonal flu outbreaks, hospitals often implement universal masking policies in patient care areas to enhance source control and protect everyone.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'influenza'.
Recall the mode of transmission for influenza. You should know this is primarily through respiratory droplets.
Next, consider the different types of transmission-based precautions: Contact, Droplet, and Airborne.
Match the mode of transmission (droplet) to the corresponding precaution type (Droplet Precautions).
Finally, identify the primary personal protective equipment (PPE) required for Droplet Precautions, which is a surgical mask.
Evaluate the other options: Handwashing and gloves are Standard Precautions, and isolation is a broader strategy, making the mask the most specific and correct answer for personal protection.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QEFHoj8vpHU33DJSjmUQn9

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1621-1623

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 133-135

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 175-177

Practise the full PGIMER NO - 2020

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