When is a patient placed in airborne isolation and what PPE is required?

• A. For diseases spread by aerosols; required PPE includes an N95 respirator (or higher), gown, gloves, and eye protection as needed.
• B. For contact with large surfaces; PPE includes surgical mask only.
• C. For non-infectious cases; no PPE required.
• D. For all patients; PPE includes gloves only.

Answer: (A)

Airborne isolation is used when a patient has a disease that spreads through tiny airborne particles that can linger in the air and travel beyond close contact. To protect healthcare workers, you wear an N95 respirator (or a higher-level respirator such as a PAPR), along with a gown and gloves, and eye protection if there’s a risk of splashes or during procedures that generate aerosols. The respirator must fit properly and be seal-checked, and the patient should be placed in a negative-pressure room if available with the door kept closed. If the patient must be moved, have them wear a mask to reduce dispersion. The other options don’t provide adequate protection against airborne spread, since they rely on less protective measures or apply protection to all patients regardless of transmission risk.