Which of the following precautions should institute during the assessment of patient with scabies?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Scabies is a skin infestation transmitted by direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
The mode of transmission requires Contact Precautions to prevent spread to healthcare workers and other patients.
Standard Contact Precautions mandate the use of both a gown and gloves upon entering the patient's room.
The gown protects clothing and arms, while gloves protect the hands from the mites.

Option A: A mask is used for Droplet or Airborne Precautions, not Contact Precautions. Scabies is not transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Option B: Gloves alone are insufficient because the scabies mite can easily transfer to the forearms or clothing of the healthcare provider during patient assessment.
Option D: This is unsafe as scabies is highly contagious. Standard Precautions are not enough; specific Transmission-Based Precautions are required to prevent infestation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Transmission-based precautions for scabies to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Correctly implementing Contact Precautions is critical to prevent nosocomial outbreaks of scabies, protecting both staff and other vulnerable patients.
Failure to use a gown and gloves can lead to a healthcare worker becoming infested, who can then unknowingly spread it to family members and other patients.
Patient and family education is crucial. They must understand how to decontaminate linens and the importance of treating all close contacts to eradicate the infestation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the condition mentioned in the question: scabies.
Recall the mode of transmission for scabies. It is spread through direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
Based on the transmission route, determine the necessary level of precaution. Direct contact infections require Contact Precautions.
Select the option that lists the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Contact Precautions, which is a gown and gloves.
Eliminate other options. A mask is for respiratory precautions, and gloves alone are insufficient for prolonged contact.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QbO8XWMCTWoAQdbugJT1S

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 237-239

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 43-45

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

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