ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What precautions should be taken when dealing with patients requiring droplet precautions?

1. Isolation room preferred

2. Standard gloves only

3. Positive pressure ventilation

4. No special precautions necessary

The correct answer is: Isolation room preferred

When dealing with patients requiring droplet precautions, the most appropriate practice is to place them in an isolation room whenever possible. Droplet precautions are necessary to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be spread through respiratory droplets when a patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. By using an isolation room, you help contain these droplets within a confined space, reducing the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and other patients. Isolation rooms are typically equipped with negative pressure ventilation to prevent airborne transmission. However, in the context of droplet precautions specifically, the focus is on maintaining a protective environment to limit the spread of infectious agents, which is effectively done in an isolation room designed for this purpose. In contrast, using standard gloves alone is insufficient, as gloves do not prevent respiratory droplets from reaching others in close proximity. Positive pressure ventilation is not a relevant precaution for droplet transmission, as it actually increases the risk of airborne spread rather than containing it. Lastly, stating that no special precautions are necessary completely disregards the need for measures to protect against droplet transmission, which can have serious health implications. Therefore, isolation in a designated room is essential in managing these patients effectively.