A school-age child is admitted in acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Endotracheal aspirate Gram staining is positive for an acid-fast bacillus. The nurse’s initial action should be to:
A.
Initiate antiviral therapy
B.
Contact the parents and discuss the implications of the laboratory findings
C.
Send another specimen for repeat laboratory examination
An acid-fast bacillus (AFB) is strongly associated withMycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). TB is ahighly contagious airborne disease, and infection control standards require immediate placement in anegative-pressure roomto prevent spread to other patients and healthcare workers.
“Suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis in a mechanically ventilated patient necessitates immediate airborne isolation using a negative-pressure room. Infection control must be prioritized prior to confirmation of diagnosis.”
(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Pulmonary Infections and Airborne Isolation Protocols)
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