Which precautions are indicated for a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis to prevent transmission?

Which precautions are indicated for a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis to prevent transmission?

• A. Standard precautions only
• B. Private room with contact precautions including gloves, gown, and mask
• C. Droplet precautions only
• D. Airborne precautions only

Answer: (B)

Suspected bacterial meningitis spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and contact with infected secretions, so preventing transmission requires barriers that block both routes. Placing the patient in a private room minimizes exposure to others, and using gloves and a gown protects healthcare workers from contact with secretions or contaminated surfaces. A mask adds protection against droplets when close to the patient or when performing procedures that could generate spray. This combination directly targets the main ways the infection is transmitted, making it the best approach compared with standard precautions or alternatives that don’t cover both droplet spread and contact with secretions.

Suspected bacterial meningitis spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and contact with infected secretions, so preventing transmission requires barriers that block both routes. Placing the patient in a private room minimizes exposure to others, and using gloves and a gown protects healthcare workers from contact with secretions or contaminated surfaces. A mask adds protection against droplets when close to the patient or when performing procedures that could generate spray. This combination directly targets the main ways the infection is transmitted, making it the best approach compared with standard precautions or alternatives that don’t cover both droplet spread and contact with secretions.