Final answer:
Healthcare workers treating active TB must wear PPE, practice strict hand hygiene, and follow infection control protocols, including isolating the patient and using negative pressure rooms, to protect themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a healthcare worker must treat a patient with active TB (tuberculosis), they should take a variety of precautions to ensure their own safety. Since TB is an airborne disease, it is crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 respirator or higher-grade mask to filter out bacteria. The healthcare worker should also don a protective gown and gloves to avoid contact with the patient's body fluids and contaminated surfaces.
It's necessary to practice strict hand hygiene before and after patient contact and to disinfect all surfaces and equipment that come in contact with the patient. The patient should be isolated in a room with negative pressure ventilation to prevent the spread of the TB bacteria to other areas. Following institutional infection control protocols and guidelines from health organizations such as the CDC is essential for the healthcare worker's protection. Additionally, healthcare workers should ensure they are up-to-date with their TB vaccination and may be required to undergo regular TB testing to monitor for potential exposure.
In summary, employing effective infection control practices and using proper PPE are vital actions in preventing the transmission of TB from patient to healthcare worker.