Drag each infection-control action to the precaution category it best represents.
Matrix Multiple Choice
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Measles and pulmonary tuberculosis require airborne controls and an airborne infection isolation room when available. Suspected meningococcal disease and pertussis require droplet precautions. C. difficile requires contact precautions with dedicated equipment and sporicidal environmental cleaning; soap and water is preferred when hands are visibly soiled and is often emphasized during C. difficile care. Blood exposure from HIV or hepatitis C is managed with Standard Precautions.
Quick answer Measles or TB = airborne; meningococcal disease or pertussis = droplet; C. difficile = contact-enteric; anticipated blood exposure = standard.
Why this is correct Transmission-Based Precautions are added to Standard Precautions according to the likely route of spread. Empiric precautions begin from the syndrome and should not wait for final culture or molecular confirmation.
NCLEX decision rule Use source control and isolate early. Match the room, respirator or mask, gown and gloves, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning to the suspected organism and exposure.
References
1CDC Isolation Precautions
2CDC Empiric Transmission-Based Precautions
3CDC 2026 C. difficile Prevention Guidance
Empiric isolation decisionsClients arrive with suspected transmissible infections before all laboratory results are available. Standard Precautions apply to every client; assign the additional or defining action requested in each statement.
Airborne Infection Isolation Room — A single-patient room with controlled airflow and negative pressure used for airborne infection isolation.
Empiric Precautions — Transmission controls started from the presenting syndrome before the responsible pathogen is confirmed.
Sporicidal Agent — An environmental disinfectant capable of killing bacterial spores such as those produced by C. difficile.