A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which PPE is required when entering the room?

TUBERCULOSIS — AIRBORNE PRECAUTIONS: TB spreads via AIRBORNE transmission — tiny droplet nuclei (<5 microns) that remain suspended in air for hours;

Required PPE: N95 respirator (minimum) — must be properly fit-tested for the individual nurse; surgical masks do NOT provide adequate filtration.

Negative pressure room: Air flows INTO the room from the hallway (negative pressure relative to corridor); exhaust air goes outside or through HEPA filtration; door kept CLOSED.

Surgical mask on patient: TB patients wear a surgical mask when transported outside their negative pressure room (to contain droplet nuclei they produce).

Additional precautions: Gown and gloves if contact with respiratory secretions.

Related airborne pathogens: Measles, varicella (chickenpox), disseminated herpes zoster — all require N95 and negative pressure.

Remember: AIRBORNE → N95 + negative pressure room; DROPLET → surgical mask + standard room; CONTACT → gown + gloves.