A nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving epoetin alfa in preparation for a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings indicate that the medication has been effective?

The client should wear a mask during transport to prevent the spread of infectious droplets. The nurse should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the precautions required for the specific client, which in this case would be a mask. The nurse does not need to wear a gown as droplet precautions do not require the use of a gown during transport.

The correct answer is choice C, the client should wear a mask during transport.

Choice A rationale:

The client wearing a gown during transport is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless there is a risk of the gown becoming contaminated with infectious material. Gowns are primarily used to protect the healthcare worker or other patients if there is direct contact with the patient.

Choice B rationale:

While the nurse should wear a mask if they will be within close proximity to the client, the primary concern in droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infection from the client, who is the source of the droplets.

Choice C rationale:

The client should wear a mask during transport to contain respiratory secretions and minimize the risk of droplet spread, as droplets can be disseminated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is a key component of source control in droplet precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Similar to choice A, the nurse wearing a gown during transport is not a standard requirement for droplet precautions unless there is anticipated contact with the patient or their environment that might result in contamination.

In summary, the primary goal of droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infections through large respiratory droplets that are expelled by the client. Therefore, having the client wear a mask is the most effective measure among the options provided to reduce the risk of transmission during transport.

The correct answer is choice A. Washing hands after leaving the room is an important infection control measure for individuals who come into contact with clients on contact precautions. Choice B is incorrect because gowns are only necessary when there is a risk of contact with the client's body fluids. Choice C is incorrect because gloves should not be reused. Choice D is incorrect because the client should not leave the room while on contact precautions. Choice B is not correct because gowns are only necessary when there is a risk of contact with the client's body fluids. Choice C is not correct because gloves should not be reused. Choice D is not correct because the client should not leave the room while on contact precautions.