A nurse is admitting a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should initiate which of the following isolation precautions for the client?

Choice A rationale:

Protective environment isolation precautions are used for immunocompromised patients to protect them from infections in the environment. It is not the appropriate precaution for a patient with bacterial meningitis, which is spread through respiratory droplets.

Choice B rationale:

Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are spread through the air and require a negative pressure room. Examples include tuberculosis and chickenpox. Bacterial meningitis is spread through respiratory droplets, not airborne transmission.

Choice C rationale:

Contact precautions are used for diseases that are spread by direct or indirect contact. Examples include MRSA and Clostridium difficile. Bacterial meningitis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, not direct contact.

Choice D rationale:

Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread by respiratory droplets, such as influenza and bacterial meningitis. Patients with bacterial meningitis should be placed in a private room and wear a mask, and healthcare providers should wear a mask and eye protection when within 3 feet of the patient. This precaution helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.

Take the medication 15 min before playing sports.

• A. Clean the mouthpiece with warm water every 2 weeks. This is incorrect because the mouthpiece should be cleaned with warm water at least once a week, or more often if used frequently, to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.
• B. Wait 10 seconds between inhalations. This is incorrect because the recommended time interval between inhalations is 1 minute, not 10 seconds, to allow adequate absorption of the medication and prevent overdose or side effects.
• C. Take a quick inhalation when pressing the dispenser. This is incorrect because a quick inhalation can cause poor coordination of hand-mouth movement and result in less medication reaching the lungs. The nurse should instruct the child to take a slow, deep inhalation when pressing the dispenser, hold their breath for 10 seconds, and exhale slowly.
• D. Take the medication 15 min before playing sports. This is correct because albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that can prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. The nurse should teach the child to take the medication before engaging in physical activity that can trigger asthma symptoms, such as sports, cold weather, or allergens.