Transmission-Based Isolation Precautions
Airborne, Droplet, and Contact precautions breakdown, PPE donning and doffing sequence, and negative-pressure room requirements.
High-Yield Clinical Takeaways & NCLEX Priorities
- Airborne (MTV: Measles, TB, Varicella/Shingles): Negative-pressure room, N95 respirator mask, door kept closed at all times.
- Droplet (PIMP: Pertussis, Influenza, Meningitis, Pneumonia): Surgical mask within 3 feet, private room or cohort.
- Contact (MRS. WEE: MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, Scabies): Gloves and gown. For C. diff, use soap and water (alcohol sanitizer is ineffective against spores).
- Donning sequence: Gown -> Mask -> Goggles/Shield -> Gloves.
- Doffing sequence (alphabetical): Gloves -> Goggles -> Gown -> Mask (remove N95 outside the room).
1. PPE Sequencing & Environmental Safety
Standard precautions apply to all patient interactions where exposure to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes is anticipated. Transmission-based precautions are implemented in addition to standard precautions based on suspected or confirmed pathogens.
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