Final answer:
A nurse should initiate airborne precautions when admitting a client with tuberculosis, including placing them in an AIIR, wearing an N95 respirator, practicing strict hand hygiene, limiting patient movement, and following environmental controls.
Step-by-step explanation:
When admitting a client who has tuberculosis (TB), a nurse should initiate airborne precautions to prevent the spread of the infection. Since TB bacteria are spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, it is essential to follow transmission-based precautions. The following are the key steps a nurse should take:
- Place the patient in a single-patient room that has negative air pressure compared to the surrounding areas. This is also known as an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR).
- Healthcare providers should wear a fitted N95 or higher-level respirator when entering the room.
- Follow strict hand hygiene practices before and after contact with the patient or their environment.
- Limit the movement and transport of the patient from the room. If transport is necessary, the patient should wear a medical mask.
- Implement environmental controls such as proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that may be contaminated.
- Ensure that all healthcare staff are educated and understand the importance of these precautions to prevent transmission.
These measures align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and are critical in controlling the spread of TB within healthcare settings.