Question

1. Differentiate between Airborne, Droplet, and Contact Precautions isolation precautions.

2. Explain the teaching needed to prevent transmission of disease.

3. Identify the factors that place patients at risk for infection.

4. Identify the priority of nursing care for patients before, during, and after transfusion therapy.

Answer 1

1. Isolation:

Isolation( medicine) means the separation of a patient, suffering from a contagious disease, from contact with others.

Difference between Airborne, droplet, and contact Isolation Precautions:

Airborne : Airborne isolation Precautions used to prevent airborne transmission of microorganisms that causes infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis, Measles, Varicella, SARS ( severe acute respiratory syndrome) etc.  

Masks and respirators( N95) are the main Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE) for Airborne isolation Precautions. Other than the standard precautions ( gloves , gowns) some important procedures are there for Airborne isolation such as;

* Separate room with special ventilation

* Room should be equipped with the Exhaust system ( air should be exhausted directly to the outside.

* Negative pressure room with a minimum of 6 air exchange hourly is desirable.

* door has to be closed

As a part of Precautions, the patient has to wear a face mask, omit the contact with others and he has to practice cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene.

whereas

Droplet Precautions: To reduce the risk of transmission of diseases such as Mumps, rubella, diphtheria, Influenza ( droplet infections):

* Separate room has to be provided for the patient, he has to stay inside, wear mask if he go out for necessary things.

* Health care providers has to wear surgical mask when dealing with the patient.

* Patient care items such as tray, bp cuff should not be shared with other patients.

* Teach the patient regarding respiratory hygiene and etiquette of coughing

Contact Precautions

Precautions to prevent contact transmission diseases .

Wound and skin infections, GI infections can be transmitted through contact. Precautions are;

* Separate room has to be provided to the patient and he should stay inside.

* Health care providers has to wear gloves ( gowns, whenever neccary) for any contact with the patient. Mask and eye protection , if needed.

* Patient care items should not be shared with other patients.

2. Teaching needed to prevent transmission of infections

Infectious diseases can spread from one person to another person through many route or mode of transmission such as airborne, ingestion of contaminated food , water, direct or indirect transmission etc.

Teaching to prevent transmission of infections should cover the following;

a) Importance of vaccination ( immunization regularly and up to date)

b) Hand washing : frequent and thorough washing of hands before the food preparation, serving and having. After toilet , wash hands thoroughly.

c) Safe sex practice, to prevent STDs ( sexually transmitted diseases) use condoms, chek or test for any infections .

d) Avoid sharing comb, drinking or dining plates

e) Be at home, if you have the symptoms of infections

f) Be smart while planning for travelling. Avoid endemic areas.

g) Take Antibiotics, according to doctors order. maintain compliance of the drug.

h) practice food hygiene, personal hygiene

i) drink safe water

Factors that increase patient's risk for infection :

* Age: very young age ( neonates and infants) and old age ( >70 years) make a man susceptible to infection

* Malnourished body ( decreased immunity)

* Certain medication use such as Steroids ( immuno suppressants )increase susceptibility to infection.

* Environmental factors: Consumption of Contaminated air, water and food may carry infectious agents. improper ventilation,

* Other factors such as prolonged ICU stay, coma

* Chronic use of Antibiotics