Which of the following best describes the infection control measure for active TB?

• A. Contact precautions are recommended for active TB.
• B. Droplet precautions are recommended for active TB.
• C. Standard precautions are sufficient for active TB.
• D. Airborne isolation precautions are recommended for active TB.

Answer: (D)

Infection control for active TB centers on airborne transmission. Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be expelled in tiny aerosolized particles that stay suspended in the air and can travel beyond close contact, so preventing inhalation of these aerosols is essential. Airborne isolation precautions are required, which means placing the patient in a negative-pressure room with adequate ventilation (air changes per hour) and having staff wear a properly fitted respirator (N95 or higher) when entering the room. If the patient is transported, they should wear a respirator to limit the spread of aerosols. Standard precautions alone do not address airborne spread, and droplet precautions guard only against larger droplets that travel short distances, while contact precautions focus on contact with contaminated surfaces or skin.