What infection control measures are required for airborne precautions?

• A. Private room, standard mask for staff, no transport restrictions.
• B. Shared room with a surgical mask.
• C. No special room; standard precautions.
• D. Private negative-pressure room, respirator (N95), limited transport with masking, air filtration.

Answer: (D)

Airborne precautions guard against pathogens that linger in the air and can be inhaled from a distance. The cornerstone is a private negative-pressure room so that air flows into the room and is exhausted safely away from other areas, helping prevent contaminated air from reaching others. Healthcare workers must use a properly fitted respirator, such as an N95, because small aerosol particles can bypass standard masks. If the patient must be moved, transport should be limited and the patient should wear a mask to contain droplets; the room should have appropriate air changes and filtration to remove airborne contaminants. This combination specifically protects against diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and varicella, which spread through the air.