The nurse is working on an infectious disease unit. Which client should be assigned to a room with negative airflow, while requiring personnel to use a particulate respirator mask, and requiring staff to observe airborne, as well as standard precautions?

Rationale

A. Wearing a face mask is a standard precaution to protect against airborne or droplet transmission of pathogens. However, MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces rather than through the air.

B. Contact precautions are essential for preventing the spread of MRSA. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in direct contact with the client or potentially contaminated surfaces. However, this is not of immediate concern.

C. Monitoring the white blood cell count (WBC) is crucial in assessing for signs of infection, including wound infections. An increase in WBC count can indicate systemic infection or local wound infection, which might be related to MRSA. Early detection and prompt reporting allow for timely intervention, such as initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy or further wound assessment.

D. This is because maintaining a clean environment around the wound is crucial to prevent infection

Site- the nose

Rationale

Rhinorrhea refers specifically to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. This occurs when there is a leakage of CSF from the nose due to a fracture or injury to the skull base or surrounding structures, such as the cribriform plate.

CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. When there is a fracture or disruption in the skull base, CSF can leak out through the nasal passages. This condition is concerning because it can increase the risk of infection, such as meningitis, due to the direct communication between the central nervous system and the external environment through the nasal cavity.