Which infection-control practice should the nurse implement when caring for an older adult who has active herpes zoster?
a. Wear a face shield and gown for all pa-tient contact.
b. Instruct the staff and visitors to wear a type of respirator mask.
c. Use a hospital room that has negative air-flow circulation.
d. Cover ruptured skin lesions with a non-absorbent dressing.
D
Herpes zoster in an adult is spread through contact; therefore the nurse applies the principles of contact precautions when caring for an older adult with active herpes zoster. To reduce the transmission of the virus through contact, the nurse keeps the ruptured lesions covered. A face shield is not necessary when caring for an adult with herpes zoster; however, a gown can be ne-cessary during dressing changes or any time that splashing can occur. Airborne precautions and a respirator-type mask are indicated for infections transmitted through the air. Because active herpes zoster in an older adult is transmitted through contact, negative airflow is not indicated.
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A) developmental level C) motivation to learn B) source of information D) family support