NCLEX-RN cheat sheet
Isolation precautions: one-page reference
Which precautions each organism needs, the equipment, and the hand-hygiene exceptions.
Reviewed by a licensed nurse · 25 October 2026
Transmission-based precautions
| Type | Examples | Room | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airborne | Tuberculosis, measles, varicella | Negative pressure, door closed | Fit-tested N95 or higher respirator |
| Droplet | Influenza, pertussis, mumps, rubella, meningococcal meningitis | Private room | Surgical mask on entry |
| Contact | MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, scabies, norovirus | Private room preferred | Gown and gloves for every entry |
Remember
- ·Standard precautions apply to every client, then add the transmission-based type.
- ·C. difficile and norovirus: wash with soap and water, not alcohol rub alone.
- ·Varicella needs airborne and contact precautions.
- ·Gloves off first, then eye protection, gown, and the mask or respirator last.
- ·Protective isolation is for the neutropenic client, not for contagion.
Educational content for exam preparation. It is not clinical guidance and does not replace your facility's policies, current professional guidelines or the advice of a qualified clinician.
boardreadynurse.com · CDC: Isolation Precautions guideline