A nurse is caring for a patient admitted with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). When explaining to a nursing student why this patient requires a specific type of isolation, the nurse states that TB is transmitted via tiny airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods. Which of the following best explains why Airborne Precautions are required for this patient rather than Droplet Precautions?
- Droplet precautions are sufficient because TB particles fall to the ground within 3 feet of the client.
- TB spreads through droplet nuclei smaller than 5 microns that remain suspended beyond 3 feet, requiring an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room.
- Airborne Precautions are used only when a client is immunocompromised, regardless of the pathogen.
- Airborne pathogens are transmitted only through direct contact with infected body fluids.