Which precaution is appropriate for a patient with a contagious respiratory infection transmitted via droplets?

• A. Airborne isolation with negative pressure room.
• B. Standard precautions only.
• C. Contact precautions with gloves and gown.
• D. Droplet precautions, including mask within 3-6 feet of the patient.

Answer: (D)

Droplet transmission requires protection for close-range interactions. The best approach is to implement droplet precautions, which focus on preventing droplets from reaching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. This means healthcare workers wear a mask when they are within about 3 to 6 feet of the patient and follow standard precautions. A private room is ideal, but a negative-pressure room isn’t necessary because the risk is limited to close contact rather than airborne spread. Standard precautions alone don’t address the close-range droplet spread, and while gloves and gowns are important for contact with secretions, the key protective action for this mode of transmission is wearing a mask within the defined distance.