Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
Four clients with infections arrive at the emergency department with some existing infection, however, only one private room is available. Which of the following clients is the most appropriate to assign to the private room?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: a client with a productive cough that is blood tinged. This client likely has a contagious respiratory infection, which poses the highest risk of spreading to others. Therefore, isolating this client in a private room is crucial to prevent transmission to other patients.
Choice A: Diarrhea after taking antibiotics for a UTI is concerning for Clostridium difficile infection, but it is not as immediately contagious as a respiratory infection.
Choice B: Abdominal pain and a fever may indicate a serious condition, but it is less likely to be contagious compared to a respiratory infection.
Choice D: A wound infection with draining pus-like drainage is a concern for local infection but does not pose an immediate risk of spreading to others in the same way as a respiratory infection.
In summary, the client with a productive cough that is blood tinged should be assigned to the private room due to the high risk of spreading a contagious respiratory infection to other patients.
Choice A: Diarrhea after taking antibiotics for a UTI is concerning for Clostridium difficile infection, but it is not as immediately contagious as a respiratory infection.
Choice B: Abdominal pain and a fever may indicate a serious condition, but it is less likely to be contagious compared to a respiratory infection.
Choice D: A wound infection with draining pus-like drainage is a concern for local infection but does not pose an immediate risk of spreading to others in the same way as a respiratory infection.
In summary, the client with a productive cough that is blood tinged should be assigned to the private room due to the high risk of spreading a contagious respiratory infection to other patients.