Which type of isolation precaution is used for a client with measles?

AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Measles (rubeola) is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei, which are very small particles (less than 5 micrometers) that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel long distances.
Due to this mode of transmission, Airborne precautions are mandatory to prevent the spread of the virus.
Key components of Airborne precautions include placing the patient in a private, negative-pressure room (also known as an Airborne Infection Isolation Room or AIIR).
Healthcare workers must wear a fitted N95 respirator mask or a higher level of respiratory protection before entering the patient's room.
Patient movement should be restricted, and if transport is necessary, the patient should wear a surgical mask to contain respiratory secretions.

Option A: A protective environment is designed to protect severely immunocompromised patients (like those undergoing stem cell transplants) from acquiring infections from the environment. It uses positive air pressure to keep airborne pathogens out of the room.
Option B: Contact precautions are used for pathogens spread by direct or indirect contact, such as touching an infected person or a contaminated surface. Measles is not primarily spread through contact.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a specific and well-defined isolation precaution (Airborne) is required for managing a patient with measles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Isolation precautions for communicable diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly implementing isolation precautions is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protect other patients, staff, and visitors from highly contagious diseases like measles.
Nurses must be able to quickly identify the mode of transmission for a diagnosed or suspected illness to initiate the appropriate precautions promptly.
Patient and family education is crucial. The nurse must explain the reason for isolation, the specific precautions required (e.g., wearing a mask, hand hygiene), and visitation restrictions to ensure compliance and reduce anxiety.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'isolation precaution' and 'measles'.
Recall the mode of transmission for measles (rubeola). Remember that it is a highly contagious virus spread through the air.
Consider the different types of transmission-based precautions and their purposes.
Match the mode of transmission for measles (airborne) with the corresponding precaution.
Airborne transmission requires Airborne precautions.
Evaluate the given options: 'Protective environment' is for immunocompromised patients, 'Contact precaution' is for touch-based transmission, and 'Airborne precaution' is for diseases spread via small airborne particles. Therefore, 'Airborne precaution' is the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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