What is the purpose of transmission-based precautions?

• A. To prevent the spread of infections based on the mode of transmission (airborne, droplet, contact).
• B. To diagnose infections
• C. To treat infections
• D. To replace standard precautions

Answer: (A)

Transmission-based precautions are used to prevent the spread of infections by tailoring precautions to how the pathogen is transmitted. They’re applied in addition to standard precautions when a patient has or is suspected to have an infection that spreads via air, droplets, or direct/indirect contact. This targeted approach helps protect other patients, staff, and visitors from exposure.

For airborne pathogens, measures include placing the patient in a private room with special ventilation and using a fit-tested respirator for healthcare workers, with careful patient transport precautions. For droplet pathogens, a private room or shared room with the same infection may be used, and staff wear a surgical mask when near the patient. For contact pathogens, gloves and a gown are worn for encounters, with proper hand hygiene and, when possible, dedicated equipment to the patient.

These precautions do not diagnose or treat infections, and they do not replace standard precautions; they augment them to reduce transmission risk based on how the infection spreads.