Healthcare workers caring for a measles patient should wear which protective equipment?

Healthcare workers caring for a measles patient should wear which protective equipment?

• A. N95 respirator
• B. Surgical mask
• C. Goggles only
• D. Gloves only

Answer: (A)

Airborne transmission requires respiratory protection with a properly fitted respirator. Measles is highly contagious and can spread via aerosols that linger in the air, so healthcare workers must use an N95 respirator to protect the lungs from inhaling the virus. A surgical mask only protects against larger droplets and does not filter small airborne particles effectively. Goggles alone protect the eyes but do not prevent inhalation of aerosols, and gloves protect only the hands. In practice, this protection is used with eye protection, gown, and gloves, ideally with the patient placed in an airborne isolation room when available.

Airborne transmission requires respiratory protection with a properly fitted respirator. Measles is highly contagious and can spread via aerosols that linger in the air, so healthcare workers must use an N95 respirator to protect the lungs from inhaling the virus. A surgical mask only protects against larger droplets and does not filter small airborne particles effectively. Goggles alone protect the eyes but do not prevent inhalation of aerosols, and gloves protect only the hands. In practice, this protection is used with eye protection, gown, and gloves, ideally with the patient placed in an airborne isolation room when available.