For a 9-month-old with pertussis, which precaution is essential to prevent transmission?

For a 9-month-old with pertussis, which precaution is essential to prevent transmission?

• A. Initiate droplet precautions
• B. Place in mist tent with low humidity
• C. Administer erythromycin 10 mg/kg/dose 4 times daily for 7 days
• D. Use client-dedicated and disposable equipment

Answer: (A)

Pertussis spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected infant coughs or sneezes. To prevent transmission, the essential protective measure is initiating droplet precautions. This directly blocks the main route of spread by requiring a private room when possible, keeping people at a safe distance, and using masks or other protective gear for caregivers who are within close contact. A mist tent with low humidity does not stop droplet transmission and isn’t a recognized preventive measure. Administering erythromycin is important for treatment and can reduce infectiousness if started early, but it is a therapeutic intervention rather than a precaution used to prevent spread in the care setting. Using dedicated and disposable equipment supports infection control in general, but the crucial step to prevent transmission in this scenario is implementing droplet precautions.

Pertussis spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected infant coughs or sneezes. To prevent transmission, the essential protective measure is initiating droplet precautions. This directly blocks the main route of spread by requiring a private room when possible, keeping people at a safe distance, and using masks or other protective gear for caregivers who are within close contact.

A mist tent with low humidity does not stop droplet transmission and isn’t a recognized preventive measure. Administering erythromycin is important for treatment and can reduce infectiousness if started early, but it is a therapeutic intervention rather than a precaution used to prevent spread in the care setting. Using dedicated and disposable equipment supports infection control in general, but the crucial step to prevent transmission in this scenario is implementing droplet precautions.