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Contact Precautions |
Droplet Precautions |
Airborne Precautions |
Neutropenic Precautions |
Purpose |
Used for children known or suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct contact with the child or indirect contact with environmental surfaces of patient care items in the child’s environment |
Used for children known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms transmitted by droplets (large particles) that can be generated by the child during coughing, sneezing, talking, or the performance of procedures |
Designed to reduce the risk for airborne transmission of infectious agents through dissemination of droplet nuclei (small particle residue of evaporated droplets that may remain suspended in the air for long periods of time) or dust particles containing the infectious agents |
Initiated to protect the child who is immunosuppressed from exposure to personnel and environmental contagions |
Environment and supplies |
Private room or cohort with child with similar microorganism.
Gown and glove when entering child’s room and remove before leaving.
Do not allow hands or clothing to touch potentially contaminated surfaces or items in child’s room.
Dedicate noncritical patient care equipment to single child.
Clean and disinfect reusable equipment before use on another child.
May require mask (e.g., with methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]).
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Private room or cohort with child with similar microorganism
If above not possible, maintain spatial separation of at least 3 feet between infected child and other patients and visitors.
Wear regular mask if within 3 feet of the child.
Child’s door may be open; no special air handling or ventilation is required.
Limit transporting child from room for essential purposes only. If child is transported, have child wear mask to minimize dispersal of droplets.
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Private room
Special air handling and ventilation required (monitored negative air pressure in relation to surrounding areas).
Keep room door closed and child in the room.
Use of N95 mask or other special masks is required for pulmonary tuberculosis.
For people immune to rubeola or varicella, no mask required when visiting patients with these; only immune healthcare workers and family or visitors are allowed in room; if susceptible workers must enter room, they should wear masks.
Limit transporting child from room for essential purposes only. If child is transported, have child wear mask to minimize dispersal of droplets.
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Private room
Place in physical location with other noncontagious children.
Enforce strict hand hygiene by all healthcare workers, family members, and visitors.
Neutropenic child may wear mask outside of room to protect against environmental exposures.
Child’s activities need not be limited; see institutional policies for specific recommended activity for children with neutropenia (e.g., school attendance, play room visits).
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Examples for use |
Children younger than 6 years or anyone with poor hygienic practices (e.g., developmental delay)
Initial workup for diarrhea (Clostridium difficile, rotavirus, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus)
Respiratory syncytial virus
Parainfluenza virus
Herpes simplex virus
MRSA
Impetigo
Cellulitis
Pediculosis and scabies
Staphylococcal furunculosis
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Invasive Neisseria meningitidis disease
Children with meningitis, influenza, pneumonia, and sepsis until causative organism is determined and need for precautions eliminated
Diphtheria
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Pertussis
Streptococcal pharyngitis
Adenovirus
Mumps
Parvovirus B19
Rubella
Scarlet fever
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Pulmonary tuberculosis
Measles (rubeola)
Chickenpox (varicella)
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Child with cancer who develops fever (>38.3°C or 101°F)
Child with neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count, 500/mm3)
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