Question

A client had a rubella infection (German measles) during the fourth month of pregnancy. At the time of the infant's birth, the nurse places the newborn in the isolation nursery. What type of infection control precautions should the nurse institute?

A. Enteric
B. Contact
C. Droplet
D. Standard

Answer 1

The nurse should institute Droplet precautions for a newborn whose mother had a rubella infection during pregnancy, as rubella is transmitted through aerosols from coughing or sneezing and can lead to congenital defects.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client had a rubella infection during the fourth month of pregnancy. Upon the birth of the infant, the appropriate type of infection control precautions that a nurse should institute is C. Droplet precautions. This is because rubella, also known as German measles, is transmitted from person to person through aerosols produced by coughing or sneezing. The nurse should follow strict protocols to prevent the spread of the infection, which include wearing masks, eye protection, and practicing good hand hygiene before and after contact with the infant. Since there is a high risk of the newborn having congenital defects due to the rubella virus crossing the placenta, the strict droplet precautions are essential to ensure the safety of the newborn, other patients, and healthcare workers.