What equipment is essential for airborne precautions?

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

Answer: (A)

Airborne precautions focus on preventing inhalation of small particles that can float in the air. To protect the healthcare worker from these aerosols, a tightly fitted respirator that filters small particles is required. An N95 respirator provides at least 95% filtration of airborne particles and must seal to the face to be effective, which is why it’s essential for airborne precautions. A surgical mask, by contrast, is designed to protect others from large droplets and doesn’t seal or filter small aerosolized particles effectively. Gowns and gloves protect skin and clothing from contact transmission but don’t offer inhalation protection on their own, so they don’t fulfill the key need of preventing inhalation of airborne pathogens.