A nurse is implementing transmission-based precautions for a patient who has measles. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse wear when entering the patient's room?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer, as gloves and gown are not sufficient PPE to wear when entering the room of a patient who has measles. Gloves protect the nurse's hands from exposure to blood or body fluids, and gown protects the nurse's clothing and skin from contamination by blood or body fluids, but they do not protect the nurse's respiratory tract from exposure to airborne droplets that contain the measles virus.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer, as gloves and mask are not sufficient PPE to wear when entering the room of a patient who has measles. Gloves protect the nurse's hands from exposure to blood or body fluids, and mask protects the nurse's mouth and nose from exposure to large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking, but they do not protect the nurse's respiratory tract from exposure to small droplets that remain in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled by others.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer, as gloves and eye protection are not sufficient PPE to wear when entering the room of a patient who has measles. Gloves protect the nurse's hands from exposure to blood or body fluids, and eye protection protects the nurse's eyes from exposure to splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids, but they do not protect the nurse's respiratory tract from exposure to airborne droplets that contain the measles virus.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer, as gloves and respirator are the appropriate PPE to wear when entering the room of a patient who has measles. Gloves protect the nurse's hands from exposure to blood or body fluids, and respirator protects the nurse's respiratory tract from exposure to airborne droplets that contain the measles virus. A respirator is a device that filters out at least 95% of airborne particles and fits tightly around the face.

Choice A reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through hand contact between the health care workers and the patient or their equipment.

Choice B reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through self-inoculation of the mucous membranes with unwashed hands.

Choice C reason: This statement by the nurse may not be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it may not be feasible or realistic for the patient or family to keep their room clean and tidy and dispose of any waste properly. This may be more of a responsibility of the environmental services staff.

Choice D reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps detect and treat any HAIs early and prevent complications or spread of infection.

Choice E reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps reduce the exposure of the patient to potential sources of infection from visitors and protect them from transmitting any infection to others.

Questions on Safety measures