Final answer:
A patient with tuberculosis is recommended to use a respiratory mask to prevent the airborne spread of the disease. In a medical setting, personal protective equipment such as protective coats, face protection, and gloves are also essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because tuberculosis is easily spread through coughing, sneezing, and spitting, the type of personal protective equipment that a patient with tuberculosis should use, particularly to prevent airborne transmission, is a respiratory mask. This is critical as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, can be transmitted through the air when the person who is infected with the bacteria coughs or sneezes. For those in close contact with the patient or in a medical setting, the critical elements of personal protective equipment would include not just a mask but also protective coats, face protection, and gloves to prevent the disease spread.