What it means
Also called transmission-based precautions. They are chosen by how the germ spreads. Contact precautions (gown and gloves) are for germs spread by touch, such as MRSAMUR-suh, or said as lettersMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.Full entry and C. difficilesee dif-uh-SEELClostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).Full entry . Droplet precautions (a surgical mask) are for germs spread in large droplets within short range, such as influenza and pertussis. Airborne precautions (an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room) are for germs that float in the air, such as tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry , measles and chickenpox.
For the nurse
Put on protective equipment before entering the room and take it off in the right order. Keep the client's equipment in the room, and limit transport out of it.
At a glance
| Spanish | precauciones de aislamiento |
|---|---|
| Also written | transmission-based precautions, transmission-based precaution |
Related terms
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
infection control
The policies and practices used in health care to prevent the spread of infection.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.