A healthcare worker caring for a patient who has an infection that spreads via droplets should use which precaution?

Prepare for the Nurse Aide I Module B – Infection Prevention Test. Leverage multiple choice questions, detailed flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

Droplet spread happens with larger respiratory particles that travel only short distances, usually within about 3 feet of the patient. To prevent this, use Droplet Precautions. The most important step is wearing a mask when you are close to the patient (within 3 feet) to block those droplets from reaching your nose or mouth. Eye protection is added if splashes or sprays are possible. Hand hygiene with gloves as needed for the care activities is essential, and gloves or gowns are used based on what you’ll be touching or if there’s a risk of contact with fluids. The patient should wear a mask if they need to leave the room. Droplet precautions differ from airborne (which uses stricter measures like N95 respirators and negative-pressure rooms) and from contact precautions (which focus on preventing touching contaminated surfaces with gloves/gowns).