A patient with respiratory symptoms arrives at triage. Which step supports early infection prevention?
- AGive a mask and seat the patient in the main waiting area
- BGive a mask once fever is documented
- CGive a mask and separate the patient promptly
- DSwab the patient immediately, before giving a mask
Show answer and explanations
Answer
C
A
Masking helps, but seating a symptomatic patient among others still exposes them, including vulnerable patients; separation is also needed.
B
Source control is based on respiratory symptoms; fever is not required.
C
Masking and separating patients with respiratory symptoms at triage reduce transmission while assessment proceeds.
D
Testing does not provide source control; the mask and separation come first so the patient does not expose others while being swabbed and assessed.