For a patient with a suspected airborne infection such as tuberculosis, which PPE is most appropriate?

• A. surgical mask and gloves
• B. N95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves
• C. Gown and gloves
• D. No PPE beyond standard gloves

Answer: (B)

Airborne infections spread through small particles that can be inhaled, so protection must filter the air you breathe and protect the eyes and hands. An N95 respirator provides a close facial seal and filters out the small aerosols that TB can travel in, which a surgical mask cannot reliably do. Eye protection adds a barrier for the conjunctiva, reducing the chance of infection if aerosols reach the face. Gloves are essential for hand protection during patient contact, but they don’t address inhalation risk on their own. A gown is added only when there’s a risk of contamination of clothing from splashes or body fluids, not for airborne transmission alone. No PPE beyond a standard glove set leaves the respiratory route unprotected, so the best choice is the N95 respirator with eye protection and gloves.