Fundamentals Question #28

Question

For which disease process should a client be placed in contact precautions?

Answers

  1. Rotovirus

    • This answer is correct because rotavirus is a diarrheal infection that requires contact precaution isolation for prevention of transmission. Contact precautions are instituted for the prevention of transference of infections that are at increased risk of contact transmission. Examples of infections that have the potential to be transmitted through contact include MRSA, VRE, open wounds, RSV, diarrheal illnesses, including C. difficile and rotavirus.

  2. Scarlet fever

    • This answer is not correct because scarlet fever is spread by droplet transmission. Therefore, scarlet fever is not a condition requiring contact precautions. Examples of infections that have the potential to be transmitted through contact include MRSA, VRE, open wounds, RSV, diarrheal illnesses, including C. difficile and rotavirus.

  3. Steptococcal pharnygitis

    • This answer is not correct because streptococcal pharyngitis is spread by droplet transmission. Therefore, scarlet fever is not a condition requiring contact precautions. Examples of infections that have the potential to be transmitted through contact include MRSA, VRE, open wounds, RSV, diarrheal illnesses, including C. difficile and rotavirus.

       

  4. Diphtheria

    • This answer is not correct because diphtheria is spread by droplet transmission. Therefore, scarlet fever is not a condition requiring contact precautions. Examples of infections that have the potential to be transmitted through contact include MRSA, VRE, open wounds, RSV, diarrheal illnesses, including C. difficile and rotavirus.

Overview

Rotavirus is a diarrheal infection that requires contact precaution isolation for prevention of transmission.

Learning Outcomes

Contact precautions are instituted for the prevention of transference of infections that are at increased risk of contact transmission. Examples of infections that have the potential to be transmitted through contact include MRSA, VRE, open wounds, RSV, diarrheal illnesses, including C. difficile and rotavirus. All people coming in contact with a client in contact precautions should wear PPE. Eye protection and a mask is not required for contact precaution, unless contact with body fluids is suspected. The order to apply the PPE (if all PPE needed) is gown, mask, goggles (eye protection), gloves. The order for removal or doffing is gloves, gown, goggles (eye protection), mask. Hand hygiene should be performed immediately.

Test Taking Tip

Remember that diarrheal illnesses, such as C. difficile and rotavirus, are contact precautions because you definitely do not want to touch stool ungloved anytime, so it is easy to remember that diarrheal illnesses are contact precaution isolation.