Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for four children. The nurse should use droplet precautions for which of the following children?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: a toddler who has seasonal influenza. Droplet precautions are used for illnesses transmitted through respiratory secretions, such as influenza. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory illness spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This precaution includes wearing a mask within close proximity to the child to prevent the spread of the virus.
Incorrect choices:
A: Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is spread through direct head-to-head contact, not respiratory secretions.
B: Viral conjunctivitis is an eye infection spread through direct contact with discharge from the eye, not respiratory droplets.
D: Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, not respiratory secretions.
Incorrect choices:
A: Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is spread through direct head-to-head contact, not respiratory secretions.
B: Viral conjunctivitis is an eye infection spread through direct contact with discharge from the eye, not respiratory droplets.
D: Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, not respiratory secretions.