Which of the following would require Airborne Precautions?

Airborne Precautions are necessary for certain infectious diseases that can be transmitted through tiny respiratory droplets that remain suspended in the air for long periods. Tuberculosis (TB) is a classic example of such a disease. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is primarily spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets into the air.

Implementing Airborne Precautions is critical to prevent the spread of TB, especially in healthcare settings, where individuals may be in close proximity to infected patients. This often involves the use of specialized respirators or masks (such as N95 respirators), appropriate room ventilation, and placing patients in negative pressure rooms to ensure that the air does not circulate back into common areas.

In contrast, the other choices do not require Airborne Precautions: Influenza generally necessitates Droplet Precautions; MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) requires Contact Precautions; and Norovirus is typically managed with Contact Precautions due to its transmission via contaminated surfaces and food, rather than through the air. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for providing safe and effective care while minimizing the risk of infection transmission.