NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is preparing to transport a patient with suspected tuberculosis. What is the MINIMUM level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the EMT during patient contact and transport?
- AN95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
- BSurgical mask, gloves, and eye protection.
- CFull hazmat suit with self-contained breathing apparatus.
- DGown, gloves, and surgical mask.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease. Therefore, an N95 respirator (or higher-level respiratory protection) is essential to protect against airborne particles, in addition to standard precautions like gloves and eye protection.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Surgical masks protect against droplets, not airborne particles, which are the primary mode of TB transmission.
- C. A full hazmat suit is for hazardous materials incidents, not typically for infectious disease transport like tuberculosis.
- D. A gown is generally used for droplet or contact precautions, and a surgical mask is insufficient for airborne pathogens.
PPE for Airborne Pathogens
Specific personal protective equipment used to prevent transmission of diseases spread by airborne particles, such as tuberculosis.
- Requires an N95 respirator or higher-level mask.
- Also includes standard precautions like gloves and eye protection.
- Patient should wear a surgical mask if tolerated.
Memory trick: Standard for all, Droplet for coughs, Airborne for tiny, Contact for touch.