Airborne isolation precautions require the use of which PPE item?

Airborne isolation precautions require the use of which PPE item?

• A. A glove only
• B. A gown
• C. A stethoscope
• D. A mask

Answer: (D)

Airborne isolation aims to protect the caregiver from inhaling tiny infectious particles that linger in the air. The key protection is respiratory PPE, worn to filter the air you breathe. A mask—ideally a properly fitted respirator such as an N95 when dealing with airborne diseases—is used to reduce inhalation of these particles. Gloves and gowns protect the skin and clothing from contact, not from inhaled pathogens, and a stethoscope is an instrument, not protective equipment. So the item that directly reduces inhalation exposure in airborne precautions is the mask (respirator).

Airborne isolation aims to protect the caregiver from inhaling tiny infectious particles that linger in the air. The key protection is respiratory PPE, worn to filter the air you breathe. A mask—ideally a properly fitted respirator such as an N95 when dealing with airborne diseases—is used to reduce inhalation of these particles. Gloves and gowns protect the skin and clothing from contact, not from inhaled pathogens, and a stethoscope is an instrument, not protective equipment. So the item that directly reduces inhalation exposure in airborne precautions is the mask (respirator).