In an airborne patient room, what PPE is necessary?

In an airborne patient room, the use of a gown, gloves, and an N95 mask is necessary to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and prevent the transmission of airborne pathogens. Airborne precautions are specifically designed to protect against micro-organisms that can be transmitted through the air, often in smaller droplets that remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

The N95 mask is a critical component of the personal protective equipment (PPE) because it is designed to filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles from the air, providing a significantly higher level of protection than a regular mask. This is essential when dealing with diseases such as tuberculosis or measles, which can be spread through the air, even from a distance.

The gown serves as a barrier to protect the healthcare worker's clothing and skin from potential contamination, while gloves provide a protective layer for hands during patient care activities. Together, these three elements of PPE create a robust shield against airborne pathogens in the patient room.

In contrast, other combinations of PPE mentioned do not adequately protect against airborne transmission and do not meet the required regulations for handling patients with conditions that require airborne precautions.