Question

Which is the proper protocol for droplet precautions?

1) Healthcare providers must wear special masks called High Efficiency Particulate Awestaoss masks, and the patient is placed in a negative pressure room.
2) A patient is placed in a private room, and healthcare providers must wear masks and wash their hands when entering the room.
3) A patient has an infection that can be transmitted through touch. Healthcare providers must wear a gown, gloves, and use special soap to treat the patient.
4) None of the above is the proper protocol for droplet precautions

Answer 1

The proper droplet precautions protocol involves placing a patient in a private room, healthcare providers wearing masks, and following stringent hand hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing. HEPA masks and negative pressure rooms are more associated with airborne precautions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper protocol for droplet precautions is not completely covered by any single option listed in the student's question. However, the closest answer would be option 2. Droplet precautions typically involve placing a patient in a private room, and healthcare providers should wear masks when entering the room, given that infections can spread via aerosols produced by sneezing, coughing, or even speaking. Staff must also perform stringent hand hygiene practices which include thoroughly washing hands before and after patient contact, after contact with bodily fluids, and after the removal of gloves. Proper handwashing technique, as recommended by the CDC, is crucial to minimize the spread of infections. Specialized equipment like High Efficiency Particulate Awestaoss (HEPA) masks and negative pressure rooms are more commonly used for airborne precautions, not droplet precautions.