What isolation precautions are appropriate for a suspected infectious case on a general medical unit?

• A. No precautions are needed.
• B. Airborne isolation for all suspected cases.
• C. Standard precautions; add contact precautions when indicated; use PPE and place in a private room if possible.
• D. Only droplet precautions, regardless of case.

Answer: (C)

Managing a suspected infectious patient on a general medical unit starts with standard precautions for everyone, then adds protections based on how the illness can spread. Standard precautions cover hand hygiene and the use of gloves and gowns for contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and non‑intact skin or mucous membranes, plus safe handling of equipment.

If the source could spread by contact, implement contact precautions by wearing a gown and gloves for all patient interactions and for handling contaminated items, and place the patient in a private room if possible. If droplet spread is a concern (coughing, sneezing, talking near the patient), add droplet precautions with a mask (and eye protection if splashes are possible) when within about three feet. Airborne precautions, requiring a negative-pressure room and a fitted respirator, are reserved for organisms known or highly suspected to transmit via the airborne route. By combining standard precautions with the appropriate additional precautions and a private room when possible, you maximize protection without overusing resources.