When caring for a patient with hypercortisolism, the nurse begins to feel the onset of symptoms of a cold but still has 4 hours left in the shift. Which action by the nurse is correct?

When caring for a patient with hypercortisolism, the nurse begins to feel the onset of symptoms of a cold but still has 4 hours left in the shift. Which action by the nurse is correct?

• A. Wear a face mask when caring for the patient.
• B. Continue caring without any precautions.
• C. Leave the unit and return later.
• D. Discontinue care for the patient.

Answer: (A)

Immunocompromise from hypercortisolism makes infection control a priority. High cortisol levels suppress immune function, so a patient with hypercortisolism is more vulnerable to infections, including respiratory illnesses. If the nurse develops cold symptoms but still has to care for the patient, the best action is to wear a face mask during direct care to reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory droplets to the immunocompromised patient while allowing continued care. This approach protects the patient without unnecessarily interrupting care. Other choices would either risk spreading the illness to the patient, or unnecessarily remove the nurse from patient contact.

Immunocompromise from hypercortisolism makes infection control a priority. High cortisol levels suppress immune function, so a patient with hypercortisolism is more vulnerable to infections, including respiratory illnesses. If the nurse develops cold symptoms but still has to care for the patient, the best action is to wear a face mask during direct care to reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory droplets to the immunocompromised patient while allowing continued care. This approach protects the patient without unnecessarily interrupting care. Other choices would either risk spreading the illness to the patient, or unnecessarily remove the nurse from patient contact.