Which type of precaution should the infection control nurse implement on a unit with seven clients exposed to anthrax?

Which type of precaution should the infection control nurse implement on a unit with seven clients exposed to anthrax?

• A. Airborne precautions.
• B. Standard precautions.
• C. Contact precautions.
• D. Droplet precautions.

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are the baseline safety approach used for every patient and exposure, covering hand hygiene, gloves, and the routine use of protective equipment as needed for contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Bacillus anthracis is not typically spread from person to person through casual contact or ordinary respiratory droplets, so there isn’t a need for airborne, droplet, or full-time contact isolation for seven clients on a unit. The best protection comes from consistently applying standard precautions and following protocols for environmental cleaning and safe handling, while coordinating with public health for any post-exposure measures and monitoring. Additional precautions would be added only if a specific transmission risk emerges during care or procedures.

Standard precautions are the baseline safety approach used for every patient and exposure, covering hand hygiene, gloves, and the routine use of protective equipment as needed for contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Bacillus anthracis is not typically spread from person to person through casual contact or ordinary respiratory droplets, so there isn’t a need for airborne, droplet, or full-time contact isolation for seven clients on a unit. The best protection comes from consistently applying standard precautions and following protocols for environmental cleaning and safe handling, while coordinating with public health for any post-exposure measures and monitoring. Additional precautions would be added only if a specific transmission risk emerges during care or procedures.