Question

A PCT is preparing to care for a patient who has pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment should the technician put on before entering the patient's room? A.) N95 respirator B.) Gown C.) Face shield D.) Goggles

Answer 1

A PCT must wear an N95 respirator as the most crucial piece of PPE when caring for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis to prevent inhaling airborne bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) preparing to care for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis should put on an N95 respirator before entering the patient's room. Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it can be easily inhaled. Therefore, the most crucial piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in this scenario is the N95 respirator, which is designed to filter airborne particles efficiently and prevent the inhalation of the bacteria that cause TB.

Answer 2

A Patient Care Technician should wear an N95 respirator as the primary protective equipment when caring for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) preparing to care for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis should wear an N95 respirator before entering the patient's room. Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease, and an N95 respirator is designed to filter out particles in the air that may contain the TB bacteria. It's crucial for healthcare providers to use this particular type of respiratory protection when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed TB to prevent inhalation of infectious particles. Other personal protective equipment (PPE) like gowns, face shields, and goggles are also important in certain situations but are not the primary protection needed against the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis.