Influenza
Influenza ( 16 Questions)
(Select all that apply): A nurse is providing care to multiple patients with suspected or confirmed influenza. Which isolation measures should the nurse implement? Select all that apply:
The nurse should not cohort patients with different strains of influenza because different strains may have varying levels of virulence and infectivity. Cohorting patients with different strains could increase the risk of cross-infection and make it challenging to implement appropriate isolation measures for each strain.
Limiting the number of visitors and staff entering the room is crucial to prevent the spread of influenza to vulnerable patients and healthcare workers. Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, and restricting access can help contain the virus.
Instructing patients and visitors to dispose of tissues properly is essential as influenza is transmitted through respiratory secretions. Proper disposal of contaminated tissues can reduce the risk of indirect transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Administering antiviral drugs to all patients regardless of symptoms is not recommended. Antiviral treatment is generally reserved for patients at high risk for severe complications or those who present early in the course of the illness. Universal administration may lead to unnecessary drug use and potential side effects.
Implementing standard precautions and droplet precautions is crucial when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and following proper infection control protocols. Droplet precautions specifically address the transmission of respiratory droplets, which is a significant mode of influenza spread.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not cohort patients with different strains of influenza because different strains may have varying levels of virulence and infectivity. Cohorting patients with different strains could increase the risk of cross-infection and make it challenging to implement appropriate isolation measures for each strain.
Choice B rationale:
Limiting the number of visitors and staff entering the room is crucial to prevent the spread of influenza to vulnerable patients and healthcare workers. Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, and restricting access can help contain the virus.
Choice C rationale:
Instructing patients and visitors to dispose of tissues properly is essential as influenza is transmitted through respiratory secretions. Proper disposal of contaminated tissues can reduce the risk of indirect transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Choice D rationale:
Administering antiviral drugs to all patients regardless of symptoms is not recommended. Antiviral treatment is generally reserved for patients at high risk for severe complications or those who present early in the course of the illness. Universal administration may lead to unnecessary drug use and potential side effects.
Choice E rationale:
Implementing standard precautions and droplet precautions is crucial when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and following proper infection control protocols. Droplet precautions specifically address the transmission of respiratory droplets, which is a significant mode of influenza spread.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not cohort patients with different strains of influenza because different strains may have varying levels of virulence and infectivity. Cohorting patients with different strains could increase the risk of cross-infection and make it challenging to implement appropriate isolation measures for each strain.
Choice B rationale:
Limiting the number of visitors and staff entering the room is crucial to prevent the spread of influenza to vulnerable patients and healthcare workers. Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, and restricting access can help contain the virus.
Choice C rationale:
Instructing patients and visitors to dispose of tissues properly is essential as influenza is transmitted through respiratory secretions. Proper disposal of contaminated tissues can reduce the risk of indirect transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Choice D rationale:
Administering antiviral drugs to all patients regardless of symptoms is not recommended. Antiviral treatment is generally reserved for patients at high risk for severe complications or those who present early in the course of the illness. Universal administration may lead to unnecessary drug use and potential side effects.
Choice E rationale:
Implementing standard precautions and droplet precautions is crucial when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and following proper infection control protocols. Droplet precautions specifically address the transmission of respiratory droplets, which is a significant mode of influenza spread.