Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Transmission-based precautions
NCLEX: A client has confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Which precaution set is required?
Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
Case Study
A client has confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Which precaution set is required?
Question
A. Airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room when available.
B. Droplet precautions only with a surgical mask at the doorway.
C. Contact precautions only with gloves and gown.
D. Standard precautions only because the client is hospitalized.
B. Droplet precautions only with a surgical mask at the doorway.
C. Contact precautions only with gloves and gown.
D. Standard precautions only because the client is hospitalized.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room when available.
Rationale: Pulmonary TB spreads by airborne transmission; airborne precautions and appropriate respiratory protection are required.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Pulmonary TB spreads by airborne transmission; airborne precautions and appropriate respiratory protection are required.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.