Final answer:
A nurse caring for a patient with tuberculosis should prioritize the use of a mask, such as an N95 respirator, and gloves as personal protective equipment. Gowns and goggles may also be necessary depending on the risk of contamination through splashes or contact with body fluids.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is planning care for a client who has tuberculosis (TB), they should use specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of the disease. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is mostly spread through the air via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, the most critical piece of PPE for the nurse to use in this case is a mask, specifically a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) mask known as an N95 respirator, which filters out particles that could contain the bacteria. In addition to the mask, gloves are important for protecting the nurse's hands when there might be contact with contaminated surfaces or body fluids.
Gowns and goggles could also be recommended when there is a risk of splashing or contact with infected body fluids. Gowns provide a barrier protecting the skin and personal clothing, and goggles protect the mucous membranes of the eyes where the bacterium could enter. The use of gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles may vary depending on institutional protocols and the nature of the interaction with the patient.
Infection control measures, such as placing the patient in an isolation room and employing strict protocols for hand hygiene and disinfection of items, are also essential to prevent the spread of infection within healthcare settings.