ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which precaution guideline is NOT true according to the CDC?

1. Airborne precautions require that the patient wear a mask

2. Masks are indicated when caring for patients on MRSA precautions

3. Patients under MRSA precautions require a negative-pressure room

4. Gloves are indicated when caring for a patient on droplet precautions

The correct answer is: Gloves are indicated when caring for a patient on droplet precautions

The statement regarding gloves being indicated when caring for a patient on droplet precautions is not accurate within the context of CDC guidelines. According to these guidelines, droplet precautions specifically require the use of a mask when within 3 to 6 feet of the patient, but gloves are not routinely required unless there is a risk of contact with respiratory secretions or other potentially infectious materials. The primary concern with droplet precautions is to prevent the transmission of pathogens that are spread through respiratory droplets, rather than direct contact. In contrast, airborne precautions indeed necessitate that the patient wear a mask, especially during transport outside of their room, to minimize the risk of infectious aerosols spreading in the environment. Regarding MRSA precautions, it is correct that masks are indicated when caring for patients, particularly if there is a risk of the healthcare provider being exposed to secretions, as well as in situations where a patient may have respiratory symptoms. However, it is not necessary for MRSA precautions to have a negative-pressure room unless the patient also has an airborne infection. Negative-pressure rooms are specifically designed for airborne precautions, thus clarifying that this requirement is not correct for all patients under MRSA precautions.