Isolation

Definition

Isolation is the physical separation of infected patients or their environment to prevent transmission of pathogens. Different categories exist based on mode of transmission.

CDC Categories

• Standard: All patients, all body fluids.
• Contact: MRSA, VRE, C. diff, scabies. Gown and gloves.
• Droplet: Flu, meningitis, pertussis (surgical mask).
• Airborne: TB, measles, varicella, such as n95, negative-pressure room.
• Protective: Reverse isolation for immunocompromised. Private positive-pressure room.

Nursing Considerations

Post appropriate signage, dedicate equipment, perform hand hygiene before/after PPE (soap and water for C. diff), limit patient movement to essential, educate patient and family about the rationale. Monitor the impact of isolation on mental health. Depression, loneliness.

NCLEX Relevance

Match isolation type to pathogen.