Question

A nurse is assisting with teaching a newly licensed nurse about infection control. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following types of precautions requires the use of an N95 mask?

1. Standard precautions
2. Contact precautions
3. Droplet precautions
4. Airborne precautions

Answer 1

The use of an N95 mask is mandated under airborne precautions to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through the air in small particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of precautions that requires the use of an N95 mask is airborne precautions. This is due to the likelihood of pathogens being transmitted through the air in small particles that can be inhaled. Airborne precautions are necessary when dealing with illnesses such as tuberculosis, measles, and varicella, which are all known for their ability to spread via airborne transmission. The N95 mask is specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, providing an effective barrier that reduces the chance of infection. Understanding and adhering to these protocols is critical in safeguarding both healthcare workers and patients from the spread of infection.