American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What type of isolation precautions are necessary for airborne pathogens?

1. Standard Precautions

2. Contact Precautions

3. Airborne Isolation

4. Protective Isolation

The correct answer is: Airborne Isolation

Airborne isolation is specifically designed to protect individuals from pathogens that are transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets smaller than 5 microns. These pathogens can remain airborne for extended periods and can be inhaled by individuals who are not directly in close proximity to the infected person. The implementation of airborne isolation precautions typically includes placing the patient in a specially ventilated room, often referred to as a negative pressure room, which has its own ventilation system to prevent the airflow from contaminating other areas of the facility. Healthcare staff and visitors are required to wear respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators or higher-level masks, to effectively shield themselves from inhaling the infectious agents. This approach is not only important for the protection of healthcare workers and other patients but also plays a critical role in controlling the spread of airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and certain types of influenza. Other types of precautions, while vital in their respective contexts, do not specifically address the unique transmission characteristics of airborne pathogens. Therefore, airborne isolation is the most appropriate choice for managing these types of risks.