How many specific items are included in airborne precautions?

Airborne precautions are essential for controlling the transmission of pathogens that are carried through the air in respiratory droplets smaller than 5 microns, such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. These precautions are designed to minimize the risk of airborne infections spreading from person to person in healthcare settings.

When implementing airborne precautions, there are a specific number of key items or components that must be adhered to in order to effectively protect both healthcare workers and patients. The correct answer indicates that there are nine specific items that comprise airborne precautions.

These items typically include:

1. N95 respirator or a higher-level mask for healthcare providers to filter out airborne particles.

2. Negative pressure rooms where patients are isolated to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping into the general environment.

3. Private room for the patient to limit exposure to others.

4. Proper patient transport protocols, ensuring that any transport outside the room follows strict prevention measures.

5. Hand hygiene practices to prevent other types of transmission.

6. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

7. Visitor restrictions to limit the number of people who may be exposed.

8. Environmental controls, such as the use of HEPA filters in