Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

Question

A resident with a new cough sits in the lounge and coughs into the open air several times. Which action by the nursing assistant best supports cough etiquette?

1. ATell the resident to cough into a cupped hand and wipe the hand on a lap blanket.✗ Incorrect

   Coughing into a bare hand and wiping it on cloth spreads secretions onto surfaces.

2. BOffer tissues, have the resident discard each one right after use, and help with hand hygiene afterward.✓ Correct

   Correct. Covering coughs with a tissue, disposing of it promptly, and cleaning hands are the core steps.

3. CHave the resident fold a used tissue into a pocket to reuse for later coughs.✗ Incorrect

   Used tissues are discarded promptly, not stored.

4. DSeat the resident close beside other residents so that staff can watch everyone together.✗ Incorrect

   People with respiratory symptoms should be kept apart from others in common areas when possible.

Answer

B. Offer tissues, have the resident discard each one right after use, and help with hand hygiene afterward.

Rationale

Respiratory hygiene limits the spread of germs from a coughing person. The resident covers the mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of the elbow, the tissue is thrown away promptly, and hands are cleaned afterward. The nursing assistant also reports the new cough to the nurse.