The nurse is caring for a client whose physician prescribes airborne precautions. The nurse notes that the client is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Question

Which of the following nurs-ing actions is most appropriate in preparing the client for the test? 1. Place the client in gown, gloves, and mask.
2. Request that the MRI technicians wear masks.
3. Delay the test until airborne precautions are discontinued.
4. Place a surgical mask on the client for transport and for contact with other indi-viduals.

Answer 1

4

Rationale: If the client is on airborne precautions, client movement and transport should be lim-ited if possible. If transport or movement is necessary, client dispersal of droplet nuclei can be minimized by placing a surgical mask on the client. "Place the client in gown, gloves, and mask" and "request that the MRI technicians wear masks" are not necessary. "Delay the test until air-borne precautions are discontinued" might place the client at risk for complications. This leaves "place a surgical mask on the client for transport and for contact with other individuals," which is appropriate protection for the staff.