Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What type of isolation precautions are necessary for a toddler with bacterial meningitis?

1. Protective environment

2. Contact precautions

3. Airborne precautions

4. Droplet precautions

The correct answer is: Droplet precautions

For a toddler diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, droplet precautions are necessary due to the mode of transmission of the pathogens that cause this illness. Bacterial meningitis can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which means close contact with an infected individual can result in transmission. Droplet precautions involve wearing a mask when within three feet of the infected individual, ensuring hand hygiene, and possibly using face shields or goggles in certain situations. This type of isolation is critical to prevent the spread of the infectious agent, particularly in settings where young children are present, as they can be more vulnerable to severe illness. Understanding the nature of bacterial meningitis and how it spreads highlights the importance of droplet precautions over other types such as contact, airborne, or protective environment precautions, which are not indicated in this scenario.