What type of isolation is used for patients with airborne transmission infections?

The correct answer identifies airborne precautions as the necessary type of isolation for patients with airborne transmission infections. Airborne precautions are specifically designed to protect against pathogens that can be transmitted over long distances through the air, often via tiny droplets that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

This type of isolation typically requires the use of a negative pressure room to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping the room, as well as personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators for healthcare workers. Patients under airborne precautions may also be required to wear masks when being transported outside of their isolation area to minimize the risk of transmission to others.

In contrast, droplet precautions focus on preventing transmission through larger respiratory droplets that can travel short distances, typically only a few feet away. Contact precautions are intended to prevent infection spread through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Standard precautions are baseline infection control practices applied to all patients, regardless of their known or suspected infection status, and include hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment when potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids is likely.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in selecting the appropriate isolation strategies to prevent the spread of infections effectively.