A patient transferred from ED to pediatrics has a harsh cough and a whooping sound; what pathogen and precautions should be used?

• A. Influenza; airborne
• B. Pertussis; droplet
• C. RSV; contact
• D. Measles; airborne

Answer: (B)

Recognize pertussis from the dramatic paroxysmal cough with an inspiratory whoop, a hallmark presentation in pediatrics. Pertussis spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, so protecting others with droplet precautions is the appropriate approach—private room, mask for caregivers and staff within close contact, and standard protective gloves/gown as needed for handling secretions. The other options don’t fit the signs and transmission pattern: influenza can cause severe respiratory symptoms but not the classic whoop; RSV commonly presents as bronchiolitis in young children and is managed with contact precautions; measles is airborne and presents with fever, cough, and a characteristic rash.