What should a nursing home do if a resident is suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) but lacks environmental protections?

Placing the resident in a single-person room with the door closed is the correct action in this scenario. This approach is vital to prevent the potential spread of tuberculosis (TB), which is an airborne infectious disease. Isolating the resident minimizes the risk of exposure to other residents and staff, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmission of the bacteria that causes TB.

Infection control guidelines recommend that individuals suspected of having TB should be isolated in an appropriate setting until they have been evaluated and deemed non-infectious. This includes keeping the room door closed to further limit airflow that could carry infectious particles to common areas or other residents.

The other options compromise safety and infection control. Admitting a resident suspected of TB into a common room poses a high risk of infection for others and goes against standard protocols. Transferring the resident to a hospital might be necessary if they require specialized treatment, but it should not be the immediate response if adequate isolation can be achieved within the nursing home. Continuing normal activities without confirmation of TB would also be dangerous, as it increases the chance of spreading the disease among the vulnerable population of the facility. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the importance of precautions such as isolation until a proper assessment can be made.