In a patient suffering from viral meningitis, what precaution should be taken to ensure safety?

In cases of viral meningitis, protecting against nasopharyngeal secretions is essential as it helps to prevent the potential spread of the virus to others, particularly in environments where transmission can occur, such as hospitals or care facilities. Viral meningitis is typically less contagious than bacterial forms, but maintaining strict hygiene and minimizing viral exposure is necessary for the safety of both the patient and healthcare providers.

Ensuring infection control measures, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and practicing good hand hygiene, complements the focus on safeguarding against secretions. It's crucial to be aware of the modes of transmission of the virus, as this understanding can prevent outbreaks and facilitate a safer treatment environment.

The other options suggest interventions that may not directly relate to the specific safety and infection control measures necessary in viral meningitis. Applying a cardiac monitor, for example, is more appropriate in cases of suspected cardiac issues rather than directly addressing the underlying contagion risk in viral meningitis. Similarly, airway management could be necessary in some critically ill patients, but it does not specifically address the primary concern of viral transmission. On the other hand, aggressively providing fluid resuscitation is generally more relevant in cases of dehydration or shock rather than acting as a precautionary measure against contag