Consolidated Political Compass Test (CPCT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPCT Practice Questions and Assessment Guide

When caring for a patient with scabies, following contact precautions is essential because scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The primary mode of transmission is through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. This means that the mites can easily spread through touching contaminated surfaces or belongings, such as clothing and bedding.

By implementing contact precautions, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of transmission both to themselves and to other patients. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns when interacting with the patient, as well as ensuring proper hand hygiene practices are followed after removing the protective gear.

The other types of precautions mentioned—airborne, droplet, and standard precautions—are not appropriate for scabies. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that can be transmitted through the air, while droplet precautions are for infections spread through respiratory droplets. Standard precautions are a general set of practices applicable to all patients but do not specifically address the heightened risk of skin contact with a patient with scabies. Thus, contact precautions are specifically tailored to effectively manage and prevent the spread of skin-borne parasites like scabies.