Which type of precaution should be implemented for a child with acute bacterial meningitis upon admission?

For a child with acute bacterial meningitis, implementing droplet precautions is essential. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by pathogens that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, particularly during coughing, sneezing, or certain medical procedures. It is important to protect healthcare workers, other patients, and visitors from potential transmission of the bacteria.

Droplet precautions involve the use of masks for individuals who are in close proximity to the patient, and ensuring that the patient is in a private room whenever possible. This minimizes the risk of spreading the infection to others, given that bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae can be present in the respiratory secretions of an infected individual.

Other precaution types, like contact precautions, primarily focus on preventing the spread of infections through direct contact with the patient or their environment. However, contact precautions alone do not adequately address the airborne risk associated with droplet transmission specific to bacterial meningitis. Standard precautions apply universally and are important for all patients, but they do not encompass the specific transmission risks associated with droplet spread. Enteric precautions are used for gastrointestinal infections and are not relevant in the context of meningitis. Therefore, droplet precautions are the most suitable choice for managing a patient with acute bacterial meningitis