Which personal protective equipment is required for airborne precautions?

• A. N95 respirator (or higher), plus gown, gloves, eye protection and a negative-pressure environment if available.
• B. Surgical mask only.
• C. Gloves only.
• D. No protection needed.

Answer: (A)

Airborne precautions require protection against tiny infectious particles that can linger in the air and be inhaled. The best protection is a tightly fitted respirator, such as an N95 or higher, because it filters out small aerosolized droplets that standard masks can’t block. In addition to the respirator, protecting the eyes with eye protection and covering skin and clothing with a gown and gloves helps prevent contamination if particles settle on surfaces or get into contact with mucous membranes. Using a negative-pressure room, when available, helps contain contaminated air by drawing it away from other areas and exhausting it outside the building, which reduces the risk of spreading the pathogen. A surgical mask alone does not provide adequate protection for airborne pathogens, and gloves or gloves plus no other protection leaves the nurse exposed to inhalation and contact transmission.