The patient should be placed in a private room with a private bathroom and special air handling. If this can't be done, check with your facility's infection control department. Also:
- Wear approved respiratory protection when in the patient's room if the patient is suspected of having any infection that can be transmitted through air.
- Put on respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved N95 or higher respirator) before entering a restricted room. Take it off only after leaving the room. Visitors must also wear protection.
- If there is the possibility of respiratory fluids being sprayed, wear a gown, gloves, and goggles or face shield.
- Perform meticulous hand hygiene before and after coming into contact with the patient, the patient's respiratory secretions or body fluids, or contaminated items.
- Change your face mask if it becomes soiled. Dispose of it in a plastic bag and then in the trash.
- Keep the room's doors and windows closed at all times.
- Allow only essential people (as defined by your facility) to enter the room.
- Choose disposable or specifically assigned equipment for patient care.
- In situations where using equipment for multiple patients is necessary, make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the equipment before using it on a different patient.
- Teach the patient to cough and sneeze into tissues and dispose of them correctly.
- Transport the patient only when you absolutely must. Have the patient wear a correct mask and practice respiratory hygiene. Alert the receiving department.