Question

Infection control is the discipline based on preventing all healthcare associated infection. Droplet precautions reduce the risk of pathogens that spread through large particle droplet contact by acts such as coughing, sneezing and talking (Pillitteri, 2014). Patients on droplet precautions are place in an isolation room with limit access to other areas. Patient is required to wear a mask when out of the room for a procedure.

With our 8 year old patient who has contracted a viral infection that spreads via large droplets, required precautions and personal protective equipment to care for him will be mask, gown and gloves. Usually, the droplets can travel three feet, therefore, healthcare givers must keep a distance of three feet from the client during care.

A chosen NANDA-1 nursing diagnosis for our patient is impaired comfort related to body aches as evidenced by fatigue, cough and fever. An impaired comfort is defined as perceived lack of ease, relief, and transcendence in physical, psycho spiritual, environmental, cultural, and social dimensions (Ladwig & Ackley, 2017).

Intervention: Patient's vital signs/ pain would be monitored and assessed

Rationale: Observing and assessing changes in vital signs will determine the appropriate care to be given.

Intervention: Medications such as ( antipyretics/ antibiotics) ordered by MD. would be administered, as well as maintaining proper posture.

Rationale: Administering a prescribed antipyretic such as Tylenol, will aid in reducing the fever and alleviating pain. Proper positioning with elevation of the head of the bed will also enhance patent airway.

Intervention: Environment would be manipulated to suit and improve patient's comfort. "Adjust the environment as needed to enhance comfort" (Ladwig & Ackley, 2017, p.245).

Rationale: Hospital room for an 8 year old on a precaution could be stressful and boring. Brightening the patient's room with his favorite super hero characters and cheerful posters will help to enhance his mood.

Infection control practices to help achieve with the above mentioned interventions would be droplet isolation precaution which will require us to wear a mask, gown and gloves. First, hand hygiene would be performed, then the gown, making such that it is fastened well and covers from the neck to the knees, the arms to the wrists, then the mask and then the gloves. Applying effective infection control practice will prevent the spread of the disease. Finally, my patient, parent/ caregiver education prior to discharge will be to ensure that all immunizations/vaccinations are up to date. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.

Comment on your peer’s plan of care or the precautions/PPE required for this patient. When responding to your peers, provide justification for your comments.

Answer 1

Plan of care or precautions used for this patient:

1. Wash your hands more frequently.

Rationale: to prevent cross infection.

2. Put a yellow signboard on the doorstep so that others may know of droplet infection.

Rationale: Minimize the frequent and unnecessary entry of others into the patient room.

3. wear a mask and eye protection and maintain a distance of 3 feet with the patient.

Rationale: Mask and eye protection protect the healthcare provider from the large droplets.

4. place mask outside the door for the staff and visitors use.

Rationale: This will protect the visitors from droplet infection.

5. Limit the visitors and family members.

Rationale: This will minimize the spreading of infection to others.

6. Keep the equipment separately for the patient.

Rationale: To avoid contagious with the other patient.

7. Educate the family members about the infection control practice.

Rationale: This will helpful for the family members to look after the patient after discharge.