Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

For a 15-month-old toddler requiring droplet precautions, which action should the nurse take?

1. Have the toddler wear a disposable gown when in the unit's playroom.

2. Wear sterile gloves when changing the toddler's diapers.

3. Wear a mask when assisting the toddler with meals.

4. Ask visitors to wear an N-95 mask when entering the room.

The correct answer is: Wear a mask when assisting the toddler with meals.

In the context of droplet precautions, wearing a mask when assisting the toddler with meals is the appropriate action. Droplet precautions are aimed at preventing the transmission of infections that are spread through respiratory droplets, which can occur during coughing, sneezing, talking, or eating. By wearing a mask, the nurse minimizes the risk of inhaling infectious droplets and protects both the toddler and themselves from potential exposure during an activity like feeding, where close proximity is required. For a toddler, it is essential to maintain a safe environment, especially during meal times when respiratory secretions can easily be aerosolized. The use of a mask ensures that any potential infectious agents are contained, helping to control the spread of disease. In contrast, wearing a disposable gown or sterile gloves may not directly address the specific risks associated with droplet transmission during mealtime. While personal protective equipment (PPE) is important in various situations, the focus in this scenario is effectively managing droplet precautions, which are more relevant to respiratory transmission than to contact transmission. Asking visitors to wear an N-95 mask might be more suitable for aerosols rather than droplet precautions specifically for the patient’s immediate care routine.