Airborne precautions are indicated for which diseases, and what protective measures are required?

• A. Measles; surgical mask for staff
• B. Tuberculosis; negative-pressure room and N95 respirator
• C. Influenza; standard precautions
• D. Pertussis; gloves only

Answer: (B)

Airborne pathogens can stay suspended in the air and travel farther, so protecting both staff and other patients requires isolating the patient in a negative‑pressure environment and using proper respirators. The essential protective measures are a private room with negative pressure (to keep contaminated air from escaping) and an N95 respirator for anyone entering the room (with proper fit testing). Tuberculosis is the classic example of an airborne infection, so pairing tuberculosis with a negative‑pressure room and an N95 respirator is the best match.

Measles is also airborne, but a surgical mask does not provide adequate protection for staff against airborne particles. Influenza and pertussis are primarily spread by larger droplets, so standard or droplet precautions are used rather than airborne precautions, and gloves or other basics are not sufficient by themselves.