California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the best method to prevent transmission to other clients when taking blood pressure of a client in airborne isolation?

1. Leave the equipment in the room for use with him only

2. Use disposable equipment each time

3. Clean the equipment with disinfectant after each use

4. Take the readings outside the room

The correct answer is: Leave the equipment in the room for use with him only

Using equipment that is designated for a single client is an effective way to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially in a case of airborne isolation. When a client is in airborne isolation, it indicates that they may have a contagious respiratory illness, and minimizing contact with shared items is essential. By leaving the blood pressure equipment in the room for that client's exclusive use, the risk of transferring pathogens to other clients through the equipment is significantly reduced. It is critical to maintain stringent infection control practices in healthcare settings. While using disposable equipment each time could also be a good strategy for preventing cross-contamination, it may not always be feasible or practical with blood pressure cuffs. Cleaning the equipment with disinfectant after each use is another valuable practice, but it presumes that pathogens could still be present during the time it takes to clean the equipment and reuse it. Taking readings outside the room contradicts the purpose of airborne isolation, as it increases the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and other clients. Therefore, maintaining a designated space for equipment supports effective infection control measures.