What type of PPE should a nurse wear when caring for a patient with airborne precautions?

When caring for a patient under airborne precautions, the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is a fit-tested N95 respirator. This type of respirator is specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including those that are smaller than 0.3 microns, which is crucial for protecting healthcare providers from infectious agents that are transmitted through the air.

Airborne precautions are typically employed for infections that can be spread through tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis or certain types of viruses. A standard surgical mask does not provide the same level of protection, as it does not fit tightly to the face and is mainly designed to protect others from the wearer’s respiratory secretions rather than providing protection from inhaling airborne pathogens.

In the context of airborne transmission, the other PPE options mentioned, such as a plastic face shield and gloves or an isolation gown and gloves, do not provide adequate respiratory protection needed in these circumstances. While they may protect against droplet transmission and contact with body fluids, they do not address the specific risks associated with airborne pathogens. Therefore, the fit-tested N95 respirator is the correct choice because it effectively protects the nurse from inhaling potentially infectious particles when caring for these patients.