What can be done to decrease the risk of immunosuppression?

• A. Shared room with other patients
• B. Own room, limit visitors, PPE, no fresh flowers, cooked foods only
• C. No restrictions on visitors or room
• D. Always keep windows open

Answer: (B)

Reducing exposure to infectious agents is crucial when immune defenses are suppressed. An exclusive patient room helps prevent crossing paths with others’ infections, and limiting visitors lowers the number of potential germs that could reach the patient. Using personal protective equipment protects both the patient and the staff from transmission. Avoiding fresh flowers eliminates a common source of mold and bacteria, and sticking to cooked foods minimizes the risk of foodborne illness, which can be especially dangerous for someone with a weakened immune system. Choices that allow shared rooms or unrestricted visitors raise exposure to pathogens, while keeping windows open isn’t a controlled infection-prevention measure and can introduce environmental contaminants.