Which practice is associated with droplet precautions?

• A. Wearing a face mask during procedures and restricting visits from uninfected people
• B. Wearing a respirator
• C. No precautions needed
• D. Wearing gloves only

Answer: (A)

Droplet precautions focus on preventing transmission of infections spread by larger respiratory droplets that travel short distances when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The key measure is a face mask to block those droplets from reaching others during close contact, especially during procedures. Limiting visits to uninfected people helps reduce potential exposure from any droplets that might escape or from environmental contamination. A respirator would be used for airborne pathogens, not for standard droplet spread. Wearing gloves alone doesn’t protect against droplets reaching the eyes, nose, or mouth, so a mask is needed in addition to gloves and standard precautions.