Which pathogen is commonly managed with contact precautions?

Which pathogen is commonly managed with contact precautions?

• A. Pertussis
• B. Influenza
• C. TB
• D. MRSA

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how infection control precautions align with how a pathogen spreads. Contact precautions are used for organisms that spread mainly by direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces, so gloves and a gown are essential when caring for the patient, along with hand hygiene and often dedicated equipment. MRSA fits this mode of transmission well, since it commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact or via contaminated surfaces. Therefore, MRSA is managed with contact precautions to prevent transmission. In contrast, TB is spread through the air and requires airborne precautions (negative-pressure room and N95 respirator), while pertussis and influenza spread primarily by droplets and use droplet precautions.

The concept being tested is how infection control precautions align with how a pathogen spreads. Contact precautions are used for organisms that spread mainly by direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces, so gloves and a gown are essential when caring for the patient, along with hand hygiene and often dedicated equipment.

MRSA fits this mode of transmission well, since it commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact or via contaminated surfaces. Therefore, MRSA is managed with contact precautions to prevent transmission.

In contrast, TB is spread through the air and requires airborne precautions (negative-pressure room and N95 respirator), while pertussis and influenza spread primarily by droplets and use droplet precautions.