Airborne precautions include several critical components:
1. Isolation Rooms: Patients suspected or confirmed to have an airborne infection should be placed in a negative pressure room, also known as an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). This room helps prevent the spread of pathogens to other areas of the healthcare facility.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Nurses should wear appropriate PPE, including an N95 respirator or higher-level respirator, when entering an isolation room. This equipment is vital for filtering out airborne particles.
3. Hand Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, are crucial in preventing the spread of infections.
4. Patient Transport: When transporting patients who require airborne precautions, ensure they wear a surgical mask to minimize the risk of spreading pathogens to other areas.
5. Visitor Restrictions: Limit the number of visitors and ensure they follow the same precautions, including wearing masks and adhering to hand hygiene protocols.
