By skyforbes 
Isolation precautions in hospital nursing are essential for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. These precautions are categorized into Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions, which include Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions. Proper implementation of these techniques is critical in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
1. Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions are applied to all patients, regardless of diagnosis, to minimize the risk of infection transmission. Key techniques include:
· Hand hygiene: Performing proper handwashing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact.
· Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wearing gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection based on exposure risk.
· Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette: Encouraging patients and staff to cover coughs and sneezes properly.
· Safe injection practices: Using sterile equipment and proper disposal of sharps.
· Environmental cleaning and disinfection: Regularly sanitizing high-touch surfaces and medical equipment.
2. Contact Precautions
Used for infections spread through direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA, C. difficile, and norovirus. Key nursing interventions include:
· Wearing gloves and gowns before entering a patient’s room.
· Dedicated patient equipment (e.g., stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs) to prevent cross-contamination.
· Room placement: Placing patients in a private room or isolation room
3. Droplet Precautions
It is required for respiratory infections like influenza, and pertussis, which spread through large respiratory droplets (more than 5 microns in size). Techniques include:
· Wearing a surgical mask when within 3-6 feet of the patient.
· Private room placement or cohorting when necessary.
· Encouraging patient mask use when transported outside the room.