MEDizzy - A client is transferred from a nursing home to an emergency

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Comprehensive Nursing Exam

A client is transferred from a nursing home to an emergency department with a diagnosis of dehydration secondary to vomiting and emesis from a norovirus infection. Which type of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

ExplanationNoroviruses are present in the stool and vomit of infected persons and can be found from the day they start to feel ill to as long as 2 weeks after they feel better. Contact precautions should be used. Modes of transmission include touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then placing the hand in the mouth, eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, and having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms. Masks should be worn if cleaning heavily soiled areas. Norovirus is not spread by droplets. The high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) masks and negative air-flow room of airborne precautions are unnecessary. Those coming in contact with the client need self-protection measures.