Transport of a resident on droplet precautions

Question

A resident has influenza and is on droplet precautions. The nurse asks the nursing assistant to take the resident by wheelchair to a necessary x-ray appointment. What should the nursing assistant make sure happens before the resident leaves the room?

1. AThe resident puts on a facemask, and the receiving department is told about the precautions.✓ Correct

   Correct. A mask on the resident contains respiratory droplets, and the receiving staff must know about the precautions.

2. BThe resident leaves without a mask as long as the nursing assistant walks several feet behind the wheelchair.✗ Incorrect

   Distance from the aide does not stop the resident from spreading droplets to everyone else in the hallway.

3. CThe resident wears a clean gown over clothing but no mask, since gowns block respiratory droplets.✗ Incorrect

   Droplet precautions rely on a mask as the barrier for respiratory secretions; a gown does not contain them.

4. DThe nursing assistant says nothing to the x-ray staff, because precautions end at the resident's door.✗ Incorrect

   The receiving area must be notified so that staff can prevent transmission.

Answer

A. The resident puts on a facemask, and the receiving department is told about the precautions.

Rationale

Respiratory droplets leave the body when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. A resident who must leave a droplet-precautions room needs a barrier that matches the route of spread, which is a facemask. Transport should be limited to essential trips, and the receiving staff are told in advance.