2 Isolation Precautions and Transmission-Based Care Free Online FlashCards

When do Standard Precautions apply?

Standard Precautions apply to every patient in every care setting, regardless of known infection status.

When should Transmission-Based Precautions be added?

Add them when a patient is known or suspected to have an infection spread by contact, droplets, or airborne particles. Begin promptly when indicated, even while diagnostic results are pending.

How does contact transmission occur?

Contact spread occurs through direct contact with the patient or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

How does droplet transmission occur?

Droplet spread occurs through close respiratory or mucous-membrane exposure to infectious respiratory secretions.

What characterizes airborne transmission?

Airborne spread involves infectious particles that can remain suspended and travel through the air, as with tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox.

What should staff do if no single room is available?

Prioritize a single room. If none is available, consult infection prevention staff about safe alternatives such as cohorting; do not assume similar symptoms mean the same infection.

What should a precaution sign communicate?

Post a clear sign at the room entrance showing the required precautions and PPE. Staff and visitors should read and follow it; signs support, but do not replace, communication and hand hygiene.

What steps help maintain precautions during patient transport?

Limit movement to necessary purposes, use route-appropriate source-control measures, and notify the receiving area in advance so staff can prepare.

What should staff do when exiting an isolation room?

Remove PPE in the designated manner to avoid contaminating skin, clothing, or nearby surfaces, then perform hand hygiene.

What determines when Transmission-Based Precautions can stop?

They continue only as long as infection-specific risk warrants. Discontinuation depends on the organism, clinical course, and applicable guidance or facility policy.

How should PPE be selected under Standard Precautions?

Select gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection according to the anticipated exposure.

What PPE and equipment practices support Contact Precautions?

Wear a gown and gloves for interactions likely to involve the patient or their environment. Dedicate equipment when possible and clean and disinfect shared equipment between patients.