During discharge teaching a client inquires further about airborne precautions and implementation of airborne precautions at home with a nurse. How should the nurse respond to the inquiry of precautions in the home setting?

 

During discharge teaching a client inquires further about airborne precautions and implementation of airborne precautions at home with a nurse. How should the nurse respond to the inquiry of precautions in the home setting?

?During a discharge teaching, the nurse should explain to the patient that an Airborne precaution is a parameter that is used necessary to prevent the spread of any airborne disorder.

?An airborne disorder is any disease that is caused by a microorganism that can be transmitted through the air, this may be caused by a variety of pathogens which includes the bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Airborne transmission of these infectious agents can be through sneezing, coughing, talking, or anything that results in the generation of aerosolized particles which may remain infectious when suspended in the air over long distance and time.

?It is important to emphasize that the earlier these airborne prevention methods are adopted, the lower the risk of transmission of airborne diseases to other people.

•How can airborne precautions be implemented at home?

?The use of personal protective equipment is a cornerstone of protection against airborne diseases. (An appropriately-fit mask should be worn by the patient for protection at home).

?The patient should be educated about coughing etiquettes to ensure the minimum spread of aerosolized particles at home. (The use of face tissues and handkerchiefs can be helpful when coughing, but these must be properly and appropriately disposed off after to decrease the chances of airborne transmission).

?Practice of hand hygiene at home (washing hands with soap and water would be the best, but the use of water-based alcohol hand rub may also be a helpful way to stop the spread of germs and prevent infections).

?Maintain a distance with other people of atleast 3 feet. (When a person infected with an airborne disease talks, sneezes, or coughs without a cover, droplets that contain pathogens may be suspended in the air and can travel about 3 feet (90 centimeters).

?Soiled linen inside the patients room should be handled with gloves along with minimal agitation to prevent dispersion or spread of microorganisms into the air.