What is the recommended precaution for TB clients?

Utilizing negative pressure airflow for clients with tuberculosis (TB) is essential because it helps to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens. In a negative pressure room, air is drawn into the room and filtered, which keeps potentially infectious air from escaping into other areas of the healthcare facility. This precaution is critical in managing TB, as the bacterium that causes the disease is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

By ensuring that the pressure inside the room is lower than that outside, contaminants are contained, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and other patients. This method is part of airborne precautions, which are specifically recommended for infections like TB that can be transmitted through airborne droplets.

Other options, while significant in infection control, don’t provide the same level of protection as negative pressure airflow. Surgical masks for visitors could provide some barrier for them, but do not protect against airborne transmission. Placing clients in a regular room lacks the necessary controls to prevent airborne spread, and using only standard masks for healthcare workers does not address the need for airborne isolation in cases of TB.