ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action to take while handling a patient with a contagious disease?

1. Isolate the patient and wear protective gear

2. Allow family members to visit freely

3. Limit contact with other patients only

4. Perform all procedures without precautions

The correct answer is: Isolate the patient and wear protective gear

When dealing with a patient who has a contagious disease, isolating the patient and wearing protective gear is vital to prevent the spread of infection. This practice ensures that healthcare providers, patients, and visitors are protected from potential exposure to pathogens that could be transmitted through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces. Isolating the patient limits their interaction with others, helping to control the spread of the disease in a healthcare setting. Protective gear, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles, serves as a barrier against infectious agents, reducing the risk of transmission and protecting staff and other patients. This approach aligns with established infection control protocols, which prioritize public health and safety in medical environments. In contrast, allowing family members to visit freely without any restrictions would compromise this safety, as well as limiting contact with other patients only, which does not adequately address the potential for airborne or surface transmission in a shared healthcare space. Not using precautions during procedures poses an even greater risk, failing to safeguard against the direct exposure to infectious materials. Thus, proper isolation and protective measures are critical in managing contagious diseases effectively.