NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse is caring for a client with active tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precaution and personal protective equipment is required?

Correct answer

Airborne precautions with a fit-tested N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room

  1. A Droplet precautions with a surgical mask
  2. B Airborne precautions with a fit-tested N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room
  3. C Contact precautions with gown and gloves
  4. D Standard precautions only

Why this is the answer

AIRBORNE PRECAUTIONS are required for tuberculosis. TB spreads via small airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air, so the nurse needs: a fit-tested N95 RESPIRATOR (or higher); a NEGATIVE-PRESSURE (airborne infection isolation) room with the door closed; the client wears a surgical mask if transported. NCLEX safe and effective care/infection control.

The three transmission-based precautions: AIRBORNE (TB, measles/rubeola, varicella/chickenpox — N95, negative-pressure room — mnemonic 'My Chicken Hez TB'); DROPLET (influenza, pertussis, meningitis — surgical mask, private room); CONTACT (MRSA, C. diff, scabies — gown and gloves). Selecting the correct precaution type is a high-priority NCLEX safety concept.

Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Transmission-Based Precautions, TB

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, isolation set-up, sterile technique, error prevention, restraints, and emergency and disaster response. This is one of 24 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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