Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 2 TSC 042 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Contact, Droplet and Airborne
The idea
Transmission-based precautions are added to standard precautions for patients known or suspected to carry certain transmissible organisms.
In practice
There are three categories, each matched to a route. First, contact precautions, for organisms spread by touch, such as MRSA or Clostridioides difficile: gloves and a gown, and dedicated equipment. For Clostridioides difficile, hands are washed with soap and water, because alcohol rubs do not remove its spores. Second, droplet precautions, for organisms such as influenza: a mask and eye protection. Third, airborne precautions, for organisms such as measles or tuberculosis: a fit-tested respirator, such as an N ninety-five, and a special isolation room with the door closed. Some diseases need more than one category. When a patient on precautions must be transported, the receiving department is told in advance.
Where people slip
Precautions follow the patient into surgery. Facility policy sets the exact steps for an isolation patient in the operating room, and the circulating nurse coordinates them.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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