Airborne/droplets precautions

Published

Hi people!

I still cannot really understand whats the main difference between airborne and droplets precautions.Could you explain that to me please please please?

Also, i am confused what precautions TB requires.

Appreciate your help so much!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/PDN.
Hi people!

I still cannot really understand whats the main difference between airborne and droplets precautions.Could you explain that to me please please please?

Also, i am confused what precautions TB requires.

Appreciate your help so much!!!!!!

Airborne precautions are required for TB. Airborne is in the air all around. Droplet precautions is where the DZ in the droplets and you have to wear a mask within 3 FEET of the pt. Hope this helps

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The main difference is in the droplet size and airborne and droplet have different precautions.

I would go to the CDC site. I found great info on it before my NCLEX exam--and I did have questions pertaining to different precaution measures on the boards.

TB is considered airborne, along with measles, and varicella. You need a specific mask when in with the patient (N5). The room is also a negative pressure room.....etc.

With droplet (pneumonia, etc.) you must wear mask within 3 feet of patient.

The list is quite long with droplet infections, so if you at least memorize/learn what is considered airborne, it makes it easier.

The CDC is great--it precisely defines all precautions and what measures to take--you will find what you need there--with better explanations :)

Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Droplet Transmission

Droplet transmission, theoretically, is a form of contact transmission. However, the mechanism of transfer of the pathogen to the host is quite distinct from either direct- or indirect-contact transmission. Therefore, droplet transmission is considered a separate route of transmission in this guideline. Droplets are generated from the source person primarily during coughing, sneezing, and talking, and during the performance of certain procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Transmission occurs when droplets containing microorganisms generated from the infected person are propelled a short distance through the air and deposited on the host's conjunctivae, nasal mucosa, or mouth. Because droplets do not remain suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation are not required to prevent droplet transmission; that is, droplet transmission must not be confused with airborne transmission.

Airborne Transmission

Airborne transmission occurs by dissemination of either airborne droplet nuclei (small-particle residue [5 µm or smaller] of evaporated droplets containing microorganisms that remain suspended in the air for long periods) or dust particles containing the infectious agent. Microorganisms carried in this manner can be dispersed widely by air currents, and may be inhaled by a susceptible host within the same room or over a longer distance from the source patient, depending on environmental factors; therefore, special air handling and ventilation are required to prevent airborne transmission. Microorganisms transmitted by airborne transmission include Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the measles and varicella viruses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion