How to set up droplet precautions
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Droplet precautions block large droplets from coughs and sneezes. They are used for infections such as influenza and pertussis.
Step by step
Place the patient
Use a private room, or keep at least 3 feet and a curtain between patients. [1]
Post a sign
Put a droplet precautions sign at the door. [1]
Wear a mask
Put on a surgical mask before entering the room. [1]
Add eye protection
Wear goggles or a face shield when close care or splashes are likely. [1]
Mask the patient
Have the patient wear a mask if they leave the room. [1]
Clean your hands
Clean hands before and after care and after removing the mask. [2]
Common errors
- Not wearing a mask for short visits.
- Transporting the patient without a mask.
- Touching the front of the mask during removal.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence
- CDC, Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
Facts and steps follow CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.