The nurse is caring for a client with VRE. The nurse should place the client on which precaution?

• A. Contact precaution
• B. Droplet precaution
• C. Airborne precaution
• D. Standard precaution

Answer: (A)

VRE spreads mainly through direct contact and via contaminated surfaces, so preventing transmission relies on contact precautions. When caring for this patient, wear a gown and gloves for any interaction or when handling the patient’s belongings or surroundings, and remove them before leaving the room with good hand hygiene afterward. Use dedicated or patient-dedicated equipment, and place the patient in a private room if possible to minimize spread.

Droplet and airborne precautions protect against pathogens transmitted through larger respiratory droplets or air currents, which isn’t how VRE spreads. Standard precautions alone aren’t enough here because the concern is transmission from contact with contaminated surfaces and hands.