What it means
In infection control, isolation means placing a client in a private room with transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet or airborne) to keep germs from spreading. Protective isolation keeps germs away from a client with a very weak immune system. Social isolation is a lack of contact with other people, which harms mental and physical health, especially in older adults.
For the nurse
Post the sign, keep the right protective equipment at the door and teach visitors how to use it. Clients in isolation can feel lonely and forgotten: check in often and explain why the precautions are needed.
At a glance
| Spanish | aislamiento |
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Related terms
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
immunocompromised
Having an immune system that is weaker than normal at fighting infection.
droplet
A drop of moisture sprayed from the nose or mouth when a person coughs, sneezes or talks, which can carry germs a short way.
transmission
The passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.