0:00
Let's take a moment to review droplet transmission.
Droplet transmission occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or
laughs and generates droplets that contain the germ that is causing their infection.
0:14
These droplets are either directly deposited on another person or
onto a surface where the droplets are touched or contacted by another person.
Droplets are large and
travel less than 6 feet from the source before settling out of the air.
Because they are large, droplets don't stay in the air for very long.
Droplet precautions are used when a resident is infected with
a germ like the flu.
0:38
All standard precautions are observed in addition to placing the resident in
a private room and asking all visitors and
health care personnel who enter the room to wear a surgical mask.
The mask should be removed before leaving.
And hand hygiene should be performed.
There are many germs that require the use of droplet precautions.
This list shows droplet spread germs that are found more often in the nursing home
environment.
Also shown is the duration of precautions for each germ listed.
1:10
An additional way to control droplet spread germs is to have infected visitors,
residents, and healthcare providers observe respiratory hygiene and
cough etiquette.
Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette includes coughing or
sneezing into your elbow, sleeve or tissue,
followed by hand hygiene with soap and water, or an alchohol-based hand rub.
Tissues should be disposed of in an appropriate foot operated receptacle.
The residents who are placed on droplet precautions,
should stay in their room unless it is medically necessary.
If the resident is leaving the room,
they should be asked to wear a mask during transport.
But should not be asked to continuously wear the mask while in their room.
1:54
Residents should also be educated about respiratory hygiene and
cough etiquette and reminded to wash their hands appropriately.
They should also remind their visitors about the need to wear a mask
while visiting in the room.
>> Previously, on Gowns and Gloves,
Vanessa becomes curious about Dimitri's obvious preference of Nurse Priscilla.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Houston goes from standard precautions to contact precautions for
her MRSA infection.
Is she worried about her health, or is she more concerned about
meeting the granddaughter kept hidden from her since birth?
Find out on Gowns and Gloves.
2:36
>> Elaine, you must calm down.
Your stress level is so high, I'm beginning to worry.
>> Well dear, I am worried.
We had the perfect plan, to fake getting sick so
that I could find my long lost granddaughter.
2:50
Then I had MRSA colonization,
then infection, and now I've contracted the flu.
>> I know, I know, but it is worth it, we're getting so close.
>> Good morning, Mrs. Houston.
>> Please, call me Elaine.
I'm so sorry about getting into such an uproar yesterday.
3:45
Let's have it.
>> Let's cut right there.
I need an explanation on this.
A mask for the flu, really?
Who's writing this stuff anyway?
>> Actually, masks are an important part of stopping the spread of germs that
are transmitted when coughing or sneezing.
We use droplet precautions, if you refer to this right here.
We use droplet precautions to prevent the spread of bad bugs like the flu.
These infections are passed from one person to another through close
respiratory or mucous membrane contact with respiratory secretions.
In other words you cough out or
sneeze out tiny drops of water and they contain the germs.
Now these droplets float around in the air, somebody breathes them in and
whamo, another infection.
Now it's preferred to have a single patient room and
we've got that covered here.
The biggest difference for Demetri is that he will need to wear a mask when he enters
the room, for any close contact with Mrs. Houston.
That will prevent him from breathing in those tiny contaminated droplets of water.
>> Right, okay, I'll buy it, and, action.
>> When you leave your room, you'll need to wear a mask like this one.
>> A mask?
5:07
It'll make my makeup run.
Plus, everyone will know that I have an infection.
Oh, how embarrassing.
>> One day at a time Mrs. Huston.
>> Please, Elaine.
>> Okay, Elaine, and you won't need to wear a mask right away,
because it's gonna be a while before you feel well enough to leave the room.
And it's important for you to practice good respiratory hygiene and
cough etiquette.
And when you cough, you wanna make sure you direct your cough or
sneeze away from people and into your arm or a tissue like this.
[COUGH] And you always wanna make sure you wash your hands afterwards.
>> Okay there, now run away so I can get some rest.
[MUSIC]
>> Okay guys, let's setup for the big finale.
We have to find out what's going to happen to Mrs.
Houston now that she's on droplet precautions.
6:29
>> I never noticed what beautiful blue eyes you have.
The mask really highlights them.
>> Thank you dear.
>> Well in fact, your eyes look just like,
[MUSIC]
>> [LAUGH] Come along darling, we have a lot to do.
[MUSIC]
>> Don't miss tomorrow's episode of Gowns and Gloves.
Will Eliane and Priscilla reunite?
Will Vanessa let Priscilla go on break this time?
Will Elaine be discharged?
And who will go home with her?
Find out tomorrow on Gowns and Gloves.
Evelyn CookAssociate Director
