What type of isolation is required for a patient with tuberculosis?

Airborne precautions are necessary for a patient with tuberculosis (TB) due to the infectious nature of the bacteria that cause the disease. TB is primarily transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the air. These particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods and be inhaled by others, leading to infection.

In healthcare settings, implementing airborne precautions requires specific measures, such as placing the patient in a negative pressure room to prevent the spread of the infectious particles to other areas. Healthcare workers must wear N95 respirators or higher-level masks to protect themselves from inhaling the tuberculosis bacteria. Additionally, visitors may be required to wear appropriate respiratory protection when entering the room of a patient with active TB.

The other isolation types, such as contact and droplet precautions, are not suitable for tuberculosis since they do not adequately manage the airborne transmission risk associated with this infection. Standard precautions are foundational practices applied to all patients regardless of suspected infection and do not specifically address the unique needs of TB patients.