A nurse is serving on a committee whose task is to plan cost-effective care at the facility. Which of the following client care tasks should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: A mask is not sufficient to protect against airborne pathogens, such as the measles virus. A mask only filters out large droplets, but not the small particles that can remain suspended in the air. A mask should be worn when caring for a client who requires droplet precautions, such as influenza or pertussis.

Choice B reason: A client who has varicella should be placed in a negative pressure room, not a positive pressure room. A negative pressure room prevents the contaminated air from escaping the room and infecting others. A positive pressure room does the opposite: it prevents the outside air from entering the room and contaminating the client. A positive pressure room is used for clients who require protective isolation, such as those who are immunocompromised.

Choice C reason: A respirator should be worn when entering the client's room who has the measles. A respirator is a special type of mask that filters out both large and small particles, and provides a tight seal around the face. A respirator is required for clients who require airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis, varicella, or measles.

Choice D reason: A gown and gloves should be worn when providing direct care to the client who has the measles, but they are not specific to airborne precautions. A gown and gloves are part of standard precautions, which apply to all clients regardless of their diagnosis or infection status. A gown and gloves protect the nurse from contact with the client's blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions.

Choice A reason: A physical therapist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A physical therapist helps clients with physical impairments or disabilities to improve their mobility, function, and quality of life. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any physical problems that require a physical therapist's intervention.

Choice B reason: A speech pathologist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A speech pathologist helps clients with communication disorders, such as speech, language, voice, or swallowing problems. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any communication problems that require a speech pathologist's intervention.

Choice C reason: An occupational therapist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. An occupational therapist helps clients with physical, mental, or developmental challenges to perform daily activities, such as self-care, work, or leisure. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any occupational problems that require an occupational therapist's intervention.

Choice D reason: A social worker is the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A social worker helps clients with psychosocial issues, such as family conflicts, behavioral problems, or emotional distress. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may benefit from a social worker's services, such as counseling, case management, or referral to community resources.