In caring for a preschooler with epiglottitis, what precaution should the nurse initiate?

For a preschooler diagnosed with epiglottitis, initiating droplet precautions is essential due to the infectious nature of the condition. Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria, which can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. By implementing droplet precautions, the nurse helps to minimize the risk of germ transmission to other individuals, particularly in a clinical setting where close contact is common.

Droplet precautions involve wearing a mask when in close proximity to the patient, ensuring that the patient wears a mask when being transported, and maintaining physical distance when feasible. This is especially important for young children, who may not fully understand or be able to adhere to other forms of infection control.

Different precautions may be indicated for other conditions, such as airborne or contact precautions, which are not appropriate in this scenario. Understanding the specific transmission methods of epiglottitis is crucial for effective infection control and preventing outbreaks, thus highlighting the importance of droplet precautions in this context.