Final answer:
Proper containment of a patient with airborne precautions includes isolation in a negative pressure room, personal protective equipment, strict hand hygiene practices, and surface and equipment decontamination. Regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers are critical for controlling the spread of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the proper containment of a patient with airborne precautions, the most critical factor is isolation in a negative pressure room. This type of room helps to keep airborne pathogens contained within the room and prevents them from spreading to other areas of the facility. Along with the use of a negative pressure room, other essential protocols should include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a specialized respirator like an N95 mask, rather than a simple surgical mask, for healthcare personnel and also for the patient when they are being transported outside the room. Regular handwashing is crucial for all who interact with or are in the vicinity of an infected patient. This practice is vital for infection control, alongside the use of hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available. Surface and equipment decontamination are also necessary to prevent the spread of infection from contaminated objects. All waste and disposable materials that have been in contact with the patient must be handled as biohazardous and processed accordingly.
The containment of airborne diseases like tuberculosis, measles, or COVID-19 requires meticulous implementation of infection control protocols, including covering your mouth when sneezing, hand hygiene, and using protective clothing. These practices are important layers of defense along with proper cleaning of hands and the use of sanitizers to minimize the risk of infection transmission.