Which condition would require the initiation of droplet precautions by a nurse?

Droplet precautions are essential for preventing the transmission of infections that can be spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Among the conditions listed, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is particularly notable because it is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is highly contagious and transmitted through droplets.

In healthcare settings, whooping cough requires droplet precautions to protect both healthcare workers and other patients from the spread of the infection. This involves wearing masks, ensuring proper patient placement (such as in a private room if possible), and practicing hand hygiene to mitigate transmission risks.

While the other infections mentioned, such as MRSA, varicella, and VRE, have specific precautions associated with them, they require different approaches. MRSA and VRE are primarily transmitted through contact, while varicella requires airborne precautions due to its ability to remain airborne over distances. This specificity in transmission methods highlights why whooping cough distinctly necessitates droplet precautions.