Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What precautions should be taken for a patient suspected of having SARS?

1. Standard precautions only

2. Contact and droplet precautions only

3. Airborne and contact precautions

4. Airborne, contact, and droplet precautions

The correct answer is: Airborne, contact, and droplet precautions

For a patient suspected of having Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), employing airborne, contact, and droplet precautions is essential due to the mode of transmission of the virus. SARS is caused by a coronavirus that can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Therefore, droplet precautions, such as wearing masks, are necessary to prevent the transmission of these droplets to healthcare workers and other individuals. Additionally, the virus can remain viable on surfaces and can be contracted through direct contact. That is why contact precautions—wearing gloves and gowns to protect against potential exposure to contaminated surfaces or materials—are also critical. Airborne precautions are necessary because SARS-CoV can become aerosolized, meaning it can be suspended in the air and inhaled. This highlights the importance of using fitted respirators and ensuring adequate ventilation in the area where the patient is being treated. In combination, these precautions create a comprehensive approach to infection control that effectively minimizes the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients. Thus, using airborne, contact, and droplet precautions is the recommended standard for managing a suspected SARS case.