CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using airborne precautions?

1. To protect against droplet infections

2. To prevent contact transmission

3. To reduce exposure to airborne pathogens

4. To ensure hand hygiene compliance

The correct answer is: To reduce exposure to airborne pathogens

The purpose of using airborne precautions is to reduce exposure to airborne pathogens. Airborne precautions are specifically designed to protect individuals from pathogens that are transmitted through the air, often via very small respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel long distances. These pathogens can include viruses like tuberculosis and certain strains of influenza, as well as other infectious agents. Implementing airborne precautions involves using specialized equipment, such as N95 respirators, and ensuring that patients suspected or confirmed to have infections transmitted by airborne routes are placed in negative pressure rooms. This helps to prevent the circulation of contaminated air into other areas and limits the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients in a healthcare setting. In comparison, protection against droplet infections pertains to larger respiratory droplets and typically involves different protective measures. Contact transmission refers to the spread of pathogens through direct or indirect contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Ensuring hand hygiene compliance is critical for reducing the risk of various types of transmission but does not specifically address airborne pathogens.