For airborne isolation, which protective equipment is recommended?

• A. Surgical mask only
• B. Standard precautions
• C. N95 respirators and negative-pressure rooms
• D. Contact precautions only

Answer: (C)

Airborne isolation requires protection that filters small aerosolized particles and environmental controls to prevent the spread of those particles. The best approach uses a fit-tested N95 respirator (or higher) to protect the person entering the room, combined with a negative-pressure isolation room so contaminated air is drawn away and exhausted safely. This pairing is essential because airborne pathogens can linger in the air and travel beyond close contact, unlike larger droplets.

Surgical masks are not sufficient for airborne protection because they don’t reliably seal or filter fine aerosols. Standard precautions cover basic hygiene and protection against contact and droplet exposure but do not address aerosols. Contact precautions protect against surface or direct skin contact but don’t prevent inhalation of airborne particles. So, the combination of N95 respirators and negative-pressure rooms best meets the needs of airborne transmission.