Saunders Respiratory Practice

What type of room should a nurse admit a client suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) to achieve appropriate ventilation?

1. Standard patient room with no special ventilation

2. Room with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration

3. Venting to the outside, six air exchanges per hour, and ultraviolet light

4. Negative pressure room with no window access

The correct answer is: Venting to the outside, six air exchanges per hour, and ultraviolet light

For a client suspected of having tuberculosis (TB), admitting them to a room that includes venting to the outside, provides six air exchanges per hour, and incorporates ultraviolet light is essential for effective infection control. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This specific type of ventilation system ensures that airborne particles are effectively removed from the room, thus reducing the risk of transmission to others. The six air exchanges per hour help in diluting potentially infectious aerosols and maintaining a safe environment. Additionally, ultraviolet light can aid in disinfecting the air by killing pathogens, contributing to overall safety. The importance of these features is critical in managing airborne infections like TB, as they help create a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of spreading the disease to healthcare workers and other patients. Thus, this approach supports the safety guidelines recommended for managing clients with suspected or confirmed TB.