Isolation Procedures and Transmission-Based Precautions
Isolation and transmission-based precautions prevent the spread of specific infections, layered on top of standard precautions.
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What you must know about Isolation Procedures
Transmission-based precautions are used in addition to standard precautions.
The three categories are contact, droplet, and airborne precautions.
Airborne precautions (e.g., TB, measles) require a negative-pressure room and an N95 respirator.
Droplet precautions (e.g., meningitis, influenza) require a surgical mask within about 1 metre.
Contact precautions (e.g., MRSA, C. difficile) require gloves and gowns and dedicated equipment.
Explain isolation to the patient to reduce anxiety and feelings of stigma.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Airborne = N95 respirator + negative-pressure room (TB, measles).
Droplet = surgical mask (influenza, meningitis).
Contact = gloves and gown (MRSA, C. difficile).
Transmission-based precautions are ADDED to standard precautions.
Practice Question
Test yourself
A patient is admitted with pulmonary tuberculosis. Which type of precaution and protective equipment is MOST appropriate?
Explanation
Pulmonary tuberculosis spreads via airborne droplet nuclei, so airborne precautions are required: a negative-pressure isolation room and an N95 (or higher) respirator for staff, in addition to standard precautions.
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