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 Practice GuideAirborne precautions are used for infections that can remain suspended in air and require special ventilation and respirator protection.
CautionAct quickly to protect other clients and staff.
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.