🦠 Airborne, Droplet, and Contact Precautions – NCLEX Infection Control
Infection control is a top-priority safety topic on NCLEX.
Expect questions like:
What PPE is needed for a patient with tuberculosis?
Which precaution type is used for meningitis?
What’s the correct room setup for varicella?
This blog gives you a clean breakdown using a KOTC visual, NCLEX chart, and easy mnemonics.
📊 NCLEX Isolation Precaution Comparison
| Category | Airborne | Droplet | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPE | N95 mask, gloves | Surgical mask, gloves | Gloves, gown |
| Room | Negative pressure, private | Private room if possible | Private or cohort |
| Diseases | TB, measles, varicella | Flu, meningitis, rubella, pertussis | C. diff, MRSA, RSV, scabies |
| Transport | Patient wears mask | Patient wears mask | Cover infected area, disinfect equipment |
🧠 NCLEX Tip: C. diff = NO Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based sanitizers don’t kill C. difficile spores.
Always use soap and water for hand hygiene when caring for C. diff patients.
🩺 Nursing Actions by Precaution Type
Airborne: Keep door closed, limit staff entry, wear N95
Droplet: Maintain 3-foot distance, wear surgical mask
Contact: Use gown + gloves, clean/disinfect equipment after use
Always educate visitors on required PPE
💡 Mnemonic: “My Chicken Hez TB” (Airborne)
| M | Measles |
|---|---|
| C | Chickenpox (Varicella) |
| H | Herpes Zoster (disseminated) |
| TB | Tuberculosis |
📲 Study Infection Control with King of the Curve
🧤 PPE selection drills
🚪 Room setup simulations
📊 Infection control case studies
Train smarter at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
🏁 Final Thoughts
Precautions aren’t just about PPE — they’re about breaking the chain of transmission.
Know your masks, gowns, and patient types — and you’ll score big on infection control questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.
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Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.
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Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.
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KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.
