A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. Which client requires contact precautions in addition to standard precautions?
- A.A client with active pulmonary tuberculosis
- B.A client with a wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- C.A client with influenza A and a temperature of 38.9°C
- D.A client with varicella (chickenpox) who is no longer contagious
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
B. A client with a wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Rationale
B is correct: MRSA wound infections are transmitted via direct or indirect contact with the infected wound or contaminated surfaces and require contact precautions (gown and gloves). A is incorrect: Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei and requires airborne precautions (negative-pressure room, N95 respirator), not contact precautions. C is incorrect: Influenza is transmitted by large respiratory droplets and requires droplet precautions (surgical mask within 3 feet), not contact precautions. D is incorrect: A client who is no longer contagious with varicella does not require additional precautions beyond standard.
Key concepts