special subjects
Special Care Units
Isolation
Isolationis used to prevent a person from infecting others. Isolation may be Complete (when a disorder can be transmitted through the air), requiring anyone who enters the person's room to wear a special safety mask (also called a respirator), face shield, gown, and gloves Incomplete (when a disorder is transmitted only by contact with the skin, blood, or stool), requiring anyone who enters the person's room to wear a gown and gloves Small children and people with a weakened immune system should not visit someone with a contagious infection. is used to prevent a person from being infected by others. Reverse isolation is needed when a person’s immune system is not functioning well—for example, after Stem Cell Transplantation or after receiving Either type of isolation may involve the following: The person is placed in a single room. Anyone who goes into the room must wear the protective equipment described above. The air in the room may be filtered. Visitors are usually limited to the immediate family. People with a contagious infection (even if only a common cold) should not visit people in the hospital, especially someone in reverse isolation. 