Which of the following is a requirement of droplet precautions?

Droplet precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Wearing a mask is essential in this context because it acts as a barrier to protect healthcare workers and others from inhaling infectious droplets that may be expelled by the patient.

The use of a mask is particularly important in situations where close contact with the patient occurs, as respiratory droplets can travel only a short distance before settling on surfaces. Hence, the correct choice emphasizes the significance of wearing a mask to safeguard against potential exposure to these droplets, which aligns with established infection control protocols in healthcare settings.

While gloves and gowns are also important in certain situations, the specific requirement for droplet precautions is centered around the use of masks to mitigate the risk of inhalation of infectious agents. Other options do not pertain directly to droplet precautions, as they either relate to different healthcare practices or are not health-related at all.