Question

Which precaution measures would be instituted when a client has a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection? (Mark all that apply.) A. ___ Client is placed in a private, negative airflow pressure room. B. ___ Client is placed in a private room or with other clients with infection caused by the same organism. C. ___ Use mask at all times while in the client’s room. D. ___ Use mask when working within 3 feet of the client E. ___ Use gown and protective barriers when giving direct care. F. ___ Mask on client if transported out of room. G. ___ Use gloves at all times when caring for clients. H. ___ Use gloves when there is risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.

Short answer

Correct measures for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are B, D, F, and H.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that causes respiratory infections, most commonly pneumonia. It is typically spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Understanding the mode of transmission is crucial to implementing appropriate precautionary measures.

Identifying Type of Precautions

The type of precaution measures taken for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is Droplet Precautions. These precautions include the use of masks for healthcare providers and visitors, private rooms or cohorting infected patients, and certain measures when transporting the patient outside of the room.

Reviewing the Precaution Measures Options

Examine each precaution measure listed in the options to ascertain if it aligns with the standards of Droplet Precautions appropriate for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Applying Knowledge to the Options

Choose the options that align with Droplet Precautions: B (Cohorting patients is correct for Droplet Precautions), D (Mask is necessary within 3 feet of the patient), F (Mask on the patient if transported), and H (Use gloves when there is risk of exposure).

Key concepts

Droplet Precautions

When it comes to preventing the spread of infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, droplet precautions are essential. These are specific infection control measures used when dealing with pathogens spread through large respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Under the guidelines for droplet precautions, health care workers should wear a mask when coming within three feet of the affected patient, which is backed by the solution's choice D stating the necessity of masks in this proximity. Beyond the immediate care environment, if the patient needs to be transported out of the room, as in solution F, they should also wear a mask to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.

Other critical components of these precautions highlight the importance of patient placement. A private room, or at least one shared with others who have the same infection, minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. These practices ensure that healthcare settings remain safe and that the infection is contained effectively.

NCLEX-RN infection control

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) places heavy emphasis on infection control practices. In our step-by-step solution to the exercise, knowledge of these controls is applied by identifying the correct precautionary steps to take for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

For instance, option H underlines the need to use gloves when there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids, which reflects universal NCLEX-RN guidelines for infection control. Glove use is a fundamental strategy that prevents the transmission of various pathogens—not just mycoplasma—helping to maintain a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

Future nurses must be thoroughly familiar with these practices as they are central to preventing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring patient safety. They will frequently encounter questions on the NCLEX-RN examination that assess their understanding and ability to apply infection prevention and control measures correctly.

Respiratory infection prevention

Preventing the spread of respiratory infections in healthcare settings is vital to protect both patients and healthcare providers. In addition to droplet precautions and NCLEX-RN infection control standards, there are broader methods of respiratory infection prevention.

Regular hand hygiene is a primary defense against the transmission of infectious agents. Effective hand-washing routines can dramatically reduce the risk of spreading infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Moreover, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick are all part of comprehensive respiratory infection prevention strategies.

Healthcare workers should also ensure that the environment is regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially surfaces frequently touched by patients and staff. Keeping the immune system strong through adequate nutrition and rest further adds to a robust defense against respiratory pathogens.