What precautions should be taken for patients with active TB?

• A. Airborne isolation and limiting public exposure.
• B. Contact isolation only.
• C. Standard precautions only.
• D. No isolation required.

Answer: (A)

Active TB spreads through airborne particles that can stay suspended in the air, so preventing transmission requires airborne precautions rather than just standard or contact measures. The patient should be placed in a private room with negative pressure and proper ventilation, and doors kept closed, to contain any infectious particles. Healthcare workers and anyone entering the room should wear a fit-tested N95 respirator (or equivalent) to protect their airways, not just a surgical mask. If the patient needs to be transported, they should wear a mask to limit dissemination. Isolation is typically continued until the patient is no longer infectious, guided by local policies (often after several negative sputum smears). Limiting public exposure is essential to prevent spread within the facility and to the community. Options relying on contact precautions, standard precautions only, or no isolation do not adequately address the airborne transmission.