🦠 Airborne, Droplet, and Contact Precautions: NCLEX Isolation Cheat Sheet

🧼 Introduction: Why Isolation Precautions Are NCLEX Gold

Infection control questions are guaranteed on the NCLEX, and isolation types often trip students up.

You need to know:

• Which diseases require which precautions

• What PPE to wear

• How to prioritize patient placement

This blog simplifies the isolation types with KOTC visuals, memory tricks, and action-based scenarios.

🦠 Isolation Precaution Types

Type	PPE Required	Room Type	NCLEX Disease Examples
Airborne	N95 mask, gown, gloves	Negative pressure room	TB, Measles, Varicella
Droplet	Surgical mask, gown, gloves	Private or cohort	Flu, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis
Contact	Gown, gloves	Private or cohort	MRSA, C. diff, RSV, Scabies

🧠 NCLEX Scenario Tip

Q: Which patient should be placed in a negative pressure room?

✅ Answer: The patient with TB (airborne precaution).

📌 Memory Mnemonics

“My Chicken Has TB” (Airborne)

• M – Measles

• C – Chickenpox

• H – Herpes Zoster

• T – TB

“SPIDERMAN” (Droplet)

• S – Sepsis

• P – Pertussis, Pneumonia

• I – Influenza

• D – Diphtheria

• E – Epiglottitis

• R – Rubella

• M – Mumps, Meningitis

• A – Adenovirus

• N – Not COVID (droplet unless aerosolizing)

🩺 Nursing Actions by Precaution Type

Type	Entry PPE	Exit Steps	Special Notes
Airborne	N95, gown, gloves	Remove N95 last, close door	Patient must wear mask during transport
Droplet	Mask, gown, gloves	Discard all PPE before exiting	Mask on patient during transport
Contact	Gown, gloves	Remove gloves, then gown	Use soap and water for C. diff

📲 Learn Faster with King of the Curve

• 🧼 Visual PPE flashcards

• 💉 Infection control simulations

• 🧪 NCLEX-style triage questions

Check out the full series at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🏁 Final Thoughts

Mastering isolation protocols helps prevent errors in both patient care and on the NCLEX. This chart-based guide keeps things simple, visual, and test-ready.

📥 Get the KOTC App

✔ Gamified NCLEX learning
✔ Isolation cheat sheets
✔ Infection control mastery

👉 Free Lifetime Access

---

---

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.