Question

A client comes to the clinic because of signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection. The client says to the nurse, "How can I prevent my roommate from getting my cold?" What is the nurse's best response?

1 "Cover your cough with your forearm."
2 "Dispose of used paper tissues in a paper bag."
3 "Encourage your roommate to get the flu vaccine."
4 "Move out of your apartment until you are over the cold."

Answer 1

To prevent spreading a cold to a roommate, the client should cover coughs with the forearm, dispose of used tissues properly, and maintain respiratory hygiene. Moving out is unnecessary; instead, effective infection control practices should be followed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to a client seeking advice on how to prevent transmitting a cold to a roommate is to advise infection control practices that limit the spread of germs. These practices include:

1. Cover your cough with your forearm to prevent the dispersion of respiratory droplets that can transmit the cold virus.
2. Dispose of used paper tissues in a waste receptacle immediately after use to minimize the possibility of contaminating surfaces or objects.
3. Advise the client that encouraging the roommate to get the flu vaccine is also helpful, albeit for influenza and not the common cold.

Telling the client to move out of their apartment is impractical and likely unnecessary for common cold prevention. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene and respiratory etiquette are the most effective strategies to prevent spreading the infection to a roommate.