NCLEX Question of the Day
Safety and Infection Control QID 1310
A 7-year-old child presents to the clinic with fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots. The nurse suspects measles (rubeola). What immediate action should the nurse take to ensure a safe environment?
Explanation
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness transmitted via airborne particles. The immediate priority is to prevent transmission to others in the healthcare setting. Placing the child in a negative-pressure isolation room and initiating airborne precautions (including staff wearing N95 respirators) is essential. Administering the MMR vaccine is a preventive measure, not an immediate treatment or isolation strategy for an active infection. Sending the child home without isolation risks community spread. While identifying the pathogen is important, isolation takes precedence over diagnostic testing to ensure safety.
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