When preparing to assess a client with active tuberculosis, which piece of PPE should the nurse put on before entering the room?

When preparing to assess a client with active tuberculosis, which piece of PPE should the nurse put on before entering the room?

• A. N95 respirator
• B. Surgical mask
• C. Gloves
• D. Gown

Answer: (A)

Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles, so protecting the nurse requires a device that filters inhaled air. An N95 respirator is designed for airborne precautions and should be worn before entering the room and kept on for the entire time inside. It must be properly fit-tested and a seal check performed each time to ensure there are no gaps, because even small openings can let infectious particles be inhaled. A surgical mask is intended to protect others by trapping droplets from the wearer, not to shield the wearer from inhaling small airborne particles, so it doesn’t provide adequate protection against TB. Gloves and a gown protect skin and clothing from contact with contaminated materials but do not prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens, so they don’t replace the need for an airborne respirator in this scenario.

Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles, so protecting the nurse requires a device that filters inhaled air. An N95 respirator is designed for airborne precautions and should be worn before entering the room and kept on for the entire time inside. It must be properly fit-tested and a seal check performed each time to ensure there are no gaps, because even small openings can let infectious particles be inhaled. A surgical mask is intended to protect others by trapping droplets from the wearer, not to shield the wearer from inhaling small airborne particles, so it doesn’t provide adequate protection against TB. Gloves and a gown protect skin and clothing from contact with contaminated materials but do not prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens, so they don’t replace the need for an airborne respirator in this scenario.