# A client has sudden vomiting and diarrhea during a norovirus outbreak. Which infection control action is most appropriate?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397326&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client has sudden vomiting and diarrhea during a norovirus outbreak. Which infection control action is most appropriate?

## Option

1. Use only standard precautions because norovirus is not contagious.
2. Use contact precautions and perform careful hand hygiene. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Place the client in protective isolation with positive pressure airflow.
4. Stop environmental cleaning until the client is discharged.

**Correct answer: 2**

## Explanation

Norovirus spreads easily through contact with contaminated surfaces, stool, or vomitus. Contact precautions, environmental cleaning, and hand hygiene are essential. Protective positive-pressure isolation is not indicated, and cleaning should not be delayed.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Norovirus contact precautions.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Norovirus contact precautions, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Norovirus** — A highly contagious cause of acute gastroenteritis.
- **Contact Precautions** — Transmission-based precautions used for organisms spread by direct or indirect contact.
- **Hand Hygiene** — Cleaning hands to reduce transmission of infectious agents.

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