The nurse is caring for a client with hypercortisolism. The nurse begins to feel the onset of a cold but still has 4 hours left in the shift. What does the nurse do?

• A. Asks another nurse to care for the client.
• B. Monitors the client for cold-like symptoms.
• C. Refuses to care for the client.
• D. Wears a facemask when caring for the client.

Answer: (D)

When a client has hypercortisolism, immune defenses are weakened, so protecting them from infections is essential. If the nurse develops cold symptoms during the shift, the immediate priority is to minimize the risk of transmitting illness to this vulnerable patient. Wearing a facemask while caring for the client helps block respiratory droplets from the nurse, reducing the chance that the infection will reach the immunocompromised person while care continues. This simple precaution directly decreases transmission risk and supports ongoing care, especially in a setting where delaying care isn’t always possible. Hand hygiene and other standard precautions should accompany the mask, and policies about reporting illness should be followed, but the mask is the most effective immediate step to protect the client.