What is the most appropriate triage intervention for three adults …

Medicine Questions

Three adults present at different times during a one-hour period with a high fever, fatigue, and headache. All three patients have a rash which started on their mouth, face, and arms with progression to the chest and abdomen. They all visited the same grocery store within the last week. What is the most appropriate intervention from triage for these patients?A.Move them to a decontamination areaB.Mask the patients and send them to the waiting roomC.Immediately initiate isolation precautionsD.Send them to the waiting room without a mask

Short Answer

To manage a contagious disease, first recognize symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, and rash. Then, implement isolation precautions, including masking patients and enforcing strict PPE protocols. Finally, prevent further spread through thorough cleaning and avoiding contact with infected individuals’ secretions and lesions.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Recognize Symptoms

It is essential to identify key symptoms indicative of a contagious disease. In this scenario, patients present with fever, fatigue, headache, and a progressing rash. By noting these signs, healthcare providers can determine the potential for contagious infections such as measles, rubella, chickenpox, or fifth disease.

Step 2: Initiate Isolation Precautions

Once contagious symptoms are recognized, the next critical step is to immediately put in place isolation precautions. This includes:

  • Masking patients to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
  • Isolating patients from other individuals in the healthcare setting.
  • Implementing strict personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols for healthcare staff.

Step 3: Prevent Further Infection Spread

To safeguard against the dissemination of the disease, strict environmental cleaning protocols should be followed. Additionally, all contact with respiratory secretions and skin lesions of infected patients must be avoided. Regular monitoring and adherence to infection control measures will help ensure community safety and health.

Related Concepts

Symptoms

The physical or mental features that are regarded as indicating a condition or disease

Isolation Precautions

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by separating individuals who are ill from those who are healthy

Infection Control Measures

Practices and procedures that are implemented to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings.

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