🧠 Isolation Precautions NCLEX Guide: Contact, Droplet, Airborne & PPE

Every NCLEX candidate must know how to isolate, protect, and prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Infection control questions are frequent because they test prioritization, risk mitigation, and nursing action under pressure.

In this guide, you’ll get:

• The 3 major isolation types + Standard Precautions

• A PPE donning/doffing order

• Disease examples per type

• A KOTC visual chart

• NCLEX mnemonics & questions

🚧 Types of Isolation

Type	Diseases	PPE Required
Contact	MRSA, C. diff, RSV, Scabies	Gown + Gloves
Droplet	Flu, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis	Mask + Gloves + Gown
Airborne	TB, Measles, Varicella, COVID (aerosol)	N95 + Negative Pressure Room
Standard	All patients (blood, fluids)	Gloves (as needed), hand hygiene

Room assignment matters: Airborne = private + negative pressure, Contact = cohort OK if same organism.

🧤 PPE Donning & Doffing Sequence

Step	Donning (On)	Doffing (Off)
1	Gown	Gloves
2	Mask/Respirator	Goggles/Face Shield
3	Goggles/Face Shield	Gown
4	Gloves	Mask

Use hand hygiene before and after PPE.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Airborne = “My Chicken Hez TB”

• Measles

• Chickenpox (Varicella)

• Herpes Zoster

• Tuberculosis

Droplet = “SPIDERMAN”

• S: Sepsis, Strep A

• P: Pertussis, Pneumonia

• I: Influenza

• D: Diphtheria

• E: Epiglottitis

• R: Rubella

• M: Mumps, Meningitis

• A: Adenovirus

• N: Notifiable respiratory infections

Contact = “MRS WEE”

• M: MRSA

• R: RSV

• S: Skin infections

• W: Wound infections

• E: Enteric infections (C. diff)

• E: Eye infections (conjunctivitis)

📝 Sample NCLEX Question

A patient with TB is being admitted. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Initiate droplet precautions

• B. Apply a surgical mask

• C. Place in a negative pressure room and wear N95 ✅

• D. Administer a PPD skin test

Rationale: TB requires airborne precautions → N95 mask and negative pressure room.

🧠 KOTC Study Tips

🎯 Use visual flashcards for diseases and PPE rules
🔄 Review PPE sequences with KOTC animation loops
📊 Practice infection control QOTDs and get instant feedback
🎮 Play multiplayer “Contagion Control” challenge mode

Start now at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🧬 Before You Go…

King of the Curve empowers nurses to:

• Master infection control visually

• Learn game-style with daily NCLEX simulations

• Prep confidently with targeted flashcards

• Avoid burnout using smarter, adaptive Qbanks

🚀 Call to Action

✅ Start the infection control quiz mode → kingofthecurve.org/trial-sessions
✅ Download your free lifetime infection guide → kingofthecurve.org/free-lifetime
✅ Take today’s QOTD → kingofthecurve.org/qotd

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

• What is the best way to handle test anxiety?

  Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• How can I stay motivated during the long application process?

  Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.

• What role does exercise play in MCAT preparation?

  Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.

• How does King of the Curve help with MCAT preparation?

  KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.