Infection precaution--help!

[fsv1024]

I'm studying for the Nclex and I'm slightly confused on the infection precautions. I hear that this is a big area to focus on for the Nvclex. Does anyone have a correct and updated list that I could study from regarding infection control?

I've noticed that Herpes Zoster is labeled as airborne and contact. However, under the cdc website they have the following posted:

"Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles, VZV, can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox through direct contact with the rash. The person exposed would develop chickenpox, not shingles. The virus is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact. A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious. A person is not infectious before blisters appear or with post-herpetic neuralgia (pain after the rash is gone)."

So.... is it Airborne and Contact because the rash is in blister phase? Its throwing me off a little bit.

If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it!

thanks!

Also-- if anyone has any information on who can be roomed with who that would be great. I hear that a few of these questions have popped up on people's exams. It seems fairly straight forward... such as place a patient with measles in a private room unless its not possible. in that case have them share a room only with someone that also has measles. Someone mentioned a question regarding whether a measles patient and a mumps patient could be placed in the same room. I would say No since Mumps is considered droplet and Rubeola is Airborne. Can anyone help shed light on this stuff?

[WarmBlanket]

fsv1024 ; before somebody gives you a hard time for posting in the "nurses" forum, I have two sites that are tremendous sources of information. The first is Nih.gov, then go to Medlineplus.gov. The medlineplus does not require registration, both these sites have links and info to help you pass Nclex. Keep studying & best of luck to you.

[fsv1024]

thank you very much :)

[Asystole RN]

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/dis-faqs-hcp.htm

What can be done to prevent transmission of VZV from patients with shingles in healthcare settings?

Infection control measures depend on whether the patient with shingles is immunocompetent or immunocompromised, and whether the rash is localized or disseminated. In all cases, standard infection control precautions should be followed.

• If the patient is immunocompetent with a:
  
  • localized rash, Standard Precautions should be followed.
    
  • disseminated rash, Standard Precautions plus Airborne and Contact Precautions should be followed.
    

• If the patient is immunocompromised with a:
  
  • localized rash, Standard precautions plus Airborne and Contact Precautions should be followed, until disseminated infection is ruled out. Then Standard Precautions should be followed.
    
  • disseminated rash, Standard Precautions plus Airborne and Contact Precautions should be followed.
    

Think about why they are differentiating between the type of patient and type of rash.

[neutrophil]

I love that you want to learn as much as possible. The NCLEX is unlike study guide questions that are intended to teach you. The test is intended to test you. So the questions whether at the application or analysis, that you need the majority of to pass the test, are very vague. Learn strategy, Physioligy and patho, don't expect a question to pop up at you and say, "here I am." Good luck.