California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

When testing a patient for streptococcal pharyngitis, which type of transmission-based precautions should be implemented?

1. Contact

2. Airborne

3. Droplet

4. Universal

The correct answer is: Droplet

When testing a patient for streptococcal pharyngitis, implementing droplet precautions is essential due to the nature of the disease. Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. These droplets can be inhaled by individuals in close proximity, which increases the risk of transmission. By employing droplet precautions, healthcare workers protect themselves and others from potential infection. This typically involves wearing a surgical mask when within three feet of the patient, ensuring that the patient wears a mask if they need to leave their designated area, and maintaining good hand hygiene practices. In contrast, contact precautions would be more appropriate for infections transmitted through direct physical contact with the patient or their environment, such as with MRSA. Airborne precautions are necessary for pathogens that can remain suspended in the air over long distances, like tuberculosis, and universal precautions apply broadly to all patients to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission. However, for streptococcal pharyngitis specifically, droplet precautions are the most relevant and effective approach to minimize spread.