When delegated tasks involving Transmission-Based Precautions, what must the nurse inform you?

When tasks involving Transmission-Based Precautions are delegated, it is essential for the nurse to inform the nurse aide about what personal protective equipment (PPE) to use. This is critical because Transmission-Based Precautions are implemented to prevent the spread of infections when a patient is known or suspected to have an infectious disease. Each type of precaution—contact, droplet, or airborne—requires specific types of PPE to ensure both the safety of the healthcare provider and the patient.

Understanding the correct PPE to use allows the health aide to effectively protect themselves from exposure to pathogens. For example, gowns, gloves, masks, and eye protection may be necessary depending on the mode of transmission of the disease. This knowledge is crucial for appropriately carrying out the assigned tasks while ensuring safety and adhering to infection control protocols.

In contrast, while patient history, medication administration, and tasks included in standard care are all important aspects of patient care, they are not directly related to the immediate need for PPE in the context of Transmission-Based Precautions. This focus on PPE underscores the importance of both patient and provider safety in healthcare settings.