A client with fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and a widespread rash is suspected of having measles. Which infection control action is appropriate?
1Implement droplet precautions and leave the door open to allow air circulation.
2Place the client in a positive pressure room to prevent the spread of infection.
3Place the client in airborne precautions with appropriate respiratory protection.✓ Correct answer
4Use standard precautions alone since measles is transmitted via respiratory droplets.
Explanation
Measles spreads by the airborne route. Option 3 is correct: place the client in an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure when available, keep the door closed, and require staff to use a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator according to policy. Option 1 is incorrect because droplet precautions do not contain airborne particles, and leaving the door open defeats room airflow control. Option 2 is incorrect because positive pressure pushes room air into adjacent areas; it protects the occupant from outside contaminants rather than containing an airborne infection. Option 4 is incorrect because standard precautions alone do not provide the ventilation control or respiratory protection required for measles.
Clinical Judgment Rash plus cough illnesses can be infection-control emergencies when airborne spread is possible.
Memory Tip Measles: airborne.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide Airborne precautions are used for infections that can remain suspended in air and require special ventilation and respirator protection.
Caution Act quickly to protect other clients and staff.
Key concepts
Measles — A highly contagious viral illness with fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and rash.
Airborne Precautions — Transmission-based precautions for organisms spread through airborne particles.
N95 Respirator — A tight-fitting respirator used for selected airborne hazards.