What type of isolation should a nurse place a client with suspected tuberculosis on?

When managing a patient suspected of having tuberculosis (TB), it is essential to implement airborne precautions. This type of isolation is necessary due to the infectious nature of TB, which is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that can be transmitted through the air.

Individuals with TB can release airborne particles containing the bacteria when they cough, sneeze, or talk. These particles can remain suspended in the air for an extended period and can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity, posing a significant risk of transmission. Thus, airborne precautions are critical to prevent the spread of TB to other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

To effectively enforce airborne precautions, a healthcare facility typically requires special air handling and ventilation systems designed to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Patients are often placed in a negative pressure room, which helps to ensure that air flows into the room but not out into other areas. Additionally, healthcare workers must wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as an N95 respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), when interacting with the patient.

Standard precautions, contact precautions, and droplet precautions would not provide adequate protection or prevent the transmission of TB in individuals suspected or confirmed to have the disease. Therefore, the implementation of airborne