A nurse is caring for a client who has influenza and isolation precautions in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

A. Administer metronidazole:

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. It is not effective against viral infections like influenza. Administering metronidazole would not prevent the spread of influenza.

B. Don protective eyewear before entering the room:

Protective eyewear is typically worn when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials that could splash or splatter into the eyes. While protective eyewear is an important infection control measure in certain situations, it is not specifically indicated for preventing the spread of influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets.

C. Place the client in a negative airflow room:

Negative airflow rooms are designed to prevent airborne transmission of infectious agents by maintaining negative air pressure, which prevents contaminated air from flowing out of the room and into adjacent areas. While negative airflow rooms may be used for certain infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, they are not typically indicated for influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. Moreover, negative airflow rooms are often limited in availability and may not be necessary for every client with influenza.

D. Wear a mask when working within 3 feet of the client.

Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a mask when working within close proximity (within 3 feet) of the client helps prevent the nurse from inhaling respiratory droplets containing the influenza virus, reducing the risk of transmission. Masks act as a barrier that helps trap respiratory secretions and prevent them from reaching the nurse's mouth and nose.