Which infection control precautions are used for pathogens transmitted by large particle droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, talking, or laughing?

• A. Contact precautions
• B. Droplet precautions
• C. Airborne precautions
• D. Standard precautions

Answer: (B)

Pathogens that spread through large respiratory droplets released by coughing, sneezing, talking, or laughing travel only a short distance and can deposit on mucous membranes or contaminate nearby surfaces. To prevent this type of transmission, droplet precautions are used. Implementing them typically means placing the patient in a private room if possible, wearing a surgical mask (and eye protection if splash risk exists) when you are within about three feet of the patient, and practicing proper hand hygiene with gloves as needed for contact with secretions. The patient should wear a mask during transport to limit dispersion of droplets. Remember that standard precautions are applied to all patients, but droplet precautions add these measures specifically for diseases spread by larger droplets. Airborne precautions are for smaller particles that linger in the air and require negative-pressure rooms and respirators, while contact precautions focus on preventing transfer via direct or indirect contact and involve gowns and gloves.