Review the outpatient infection-control timeline and determine the immediate response when measles becomes suspected.
Trend
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
High fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and a spreading maculopapular rash during a measles outbreak create a strong suspicion for measles. The nurse should immediately place well-fitting source control on the client if tolerated, move the client directly to an airborne infection isolation room or the safest available private room with the door closed, and use Standard and Airborne Precautions. Staff entering should wear respiratory protection at least as protective as a fit-tested NIOSH-approved N95. Infection prevention and the health department should be notified according to policy. Shared airspace may remain an exposure concern for up to 2 hours, so exposure management should begin without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Trend to recognize The three C symptoms, high fever, Koplik spots, and rash during an outbreak make measles an infection-control emergency before testing returns.
Immediate sequence Identify, place source control, isolate in an AIIR, use a fit-tested N95 or higher respirator, and inform infection prevention and public health.
Airspace rule Measles can remain infectious in shared air for up to 2 hours. Stop additional exposure and begin identifying potentially exposed persons according to the facility and health-department plan.
Why the alternatives fail Droplet precautions alone are insufficient. Waiting in a common area for the rash or laboratory result increases exposure. Vaccination history does not replace recommended respiratory protection for healthcare personnel entering the room.
Source
1CDC Measles Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings
22026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
Outpatient clinicAn adult with fever and respiratory symptoms checks in during a community measles outbreak. The nurse reviews symptoms, location, and exposure risk over the first 20 minutes.