Four days after exposure to COVID-19, a client has a negative test result. Eight days later, the client develops fever, fatigue, and cough. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Isolate the client from others not wearing proper PPE.
• B. Wait for another negative test before isolation.
• C. Move the client to a shared room with observation.
• D. Discontinue PPE precautions.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a negative test soon after exposure does not rule out infection, and new symptoms raise suspicion for an infectious illness. Four days after exposure with a later development of fever, fatigue, and cough suggests possible COVID-19 despite the earlier negative result. People exposed to the virus can have a false-negative test if testing occurs too early, and the incubation period can extend up to about 14 days, during which they may become contagious.

Therefore, the most important action is to isolate the client and ensure healthcare workers use proper PPE when interacting with them. This protects others from potential transmission while you reassess the infection status and follow up with repeat testing or diagnostics per protocol. Not isolating could put others at risk; waiting for another negative test could delay necessary precautions; moving to a shared room would increase transmission risk; and discontinuing PPE would be unsafe.