multi class comparison
Isolation Precautions Comparison: Airborne vs Droplet vs Contact
Choosing a surgical mask when the patient has TB means you just exposed yourself to airborne tuberculosis. The wrong mask, wrong room, or wrong gown decision appears repeatedly on the NCLEX — and each precaution type has a distinct PPE and room requirement that you must match instantly.
Comparison
Side-by-side3 compared
Comparevs
Dimension
Airborne
Droplet
Contact
How it spreads
- Aerosol nuclei < 5 µm; stay suspended, travel far
- Large droplets ≥ 5 µm; ≤ 6 ft (cough, sneeze)
- Direct/indirect touch of skin or surfaces
Required PPE
- ★N95 respirator (fit-tested)
- Surgical mask within 6 ft
- Gown + gloves on room entry
Room placement
- ★Negative-pressure AIIR; door closed
- Private room; may cohort same organism
- Private room; may cohort same organism
Patient transport
- Patient wears surgical mask during transport
- Patient wears surgical mask during transport
- Cover infected area; disinfect equipment after
Classic diseases
- TB, measles, varicella, disseminated zoster
- Influenza, pertussis, meningitis, mumps
- MRSA, VRE, C. diff, RSV, scabies
Key nursing action
- Verify N95 fit-test; check neg-pressure daily
- Mask the coughing patient immediately
- ★Soap & water for C. diff (gel fails on spores)
How it spreads
Airborne
- Aerosol nuclei < 5 µm; stay suspended, travel far
Droplet
- Large droplets ≥ 5 µm; ≤ 6 ft (cough, sneeze)
Required PPE
Airborne
- ★N95 respirator (fit-tested)
Droplet
- Surgical mask within 6 ft
Room placement
Airborne
- ★Negative-pressure AIIR; door closed
Droplet
- Private room; may cohort same organism
Patient transport
Airborne
- Patient wears surgical mask during transport
Droplet
- Patient wears surgical mask during transport
Classic diseases
Airborne
- TB, measles, varicella, disseminated zoster
Droplet
- Influenza, pertussis, meningitis, mumps
Key nursing action
Airborne
- Verify N95 fit-test; check neg-pressure daily
Droplet
- Mask the coughing patient immediately
★ marks the fact that sets a column apart.
Clinical Pearl
"My Chicken Hez TB" = Airborne → Measles, Chickenpox, Herpes zoster (disseminated), TB — N95 + negative pressure.
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