What type of precautions should the nurse implement for a school-age child admitted with rubeola measles?

For a school-age child admitted with rubeola measles, airborne precautions are the most appropriate measures to implement. Rubeola, commonly known as measles, is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for extended periods, making airborne precautions essential to prevent transmission to others in the healthcare setting.

Airborne precautions involve the use of specially ventilated rooms, such as negative pressure rooms, and ensure that healthcare personnel wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, when interacting with the infected child. These measures are critical to safeguard patients who are immunocompromised or those who cannot be vaccinated, as they are particularly vulnerable to infections.

While other precautions, such as droplet precautions, may seem relevant due to the respiratory nature of the virus, they do not adequately address the risk associated with airborne transmission. Standard precautions are always maintained for all patients but do not specifically account for the unique infectious nature of airborne pathogens like the measles virus. Thus, airborne precautions are essential for the safe management of rubeola measles in a healthcare setting.