What is the primary purpose of airborne precautions?

The primary purpose of airborne precautions is to limit the transmission of diseases that are spread through the air, particularly those that can be transmitted via tiny respiratory droplets or aerosols that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. This includes infections such as tuberculosis, measles, and varicella (chickenpox), which can be inhaled by individuals even at a distance from the infected person.

Airborne precautions involve several key practices designed to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. These typically include placing the infected individual in a negative pressure room, ensuring that healthcare workers and visitors wear appropriate respirators, and implementing strict protocols for patient transport. By creating an environment that minimizes the risk of airborne transmission, airborne precautions play a crucial role in infection control, particularly in healthcare settings where vulnerable individuals may be present.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of infection control. For example, preventing the spread of infections via contact pertains to direct interactions between people or surfaces, exposure to blood-borne pathogens relates to infections spread through blood and bodily fluids, and safe handling of sharps focuses on minimizing the risk of injury from needles and other sharp instruments. Each of these practices is important for overall safety and infection control, but they do not directly pertain to