Final answer:
A nurse treating a TB patient should wear a respirator to protect against airborne transmission of the disease through coughs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating a patient with tuberculosis (TB), which is known to spread through droplets from coughs, the respirator is the ideal form of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn by a nurse. The use of a respirator, such as an N95, protects the healthcare worker by filtering out bacteria and viruses from inhaled air, reducing the risk of inhaling the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other forms of PPE such as goggles, gloves, and a body suit may be vital in certain environments, particularly when there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, but when the primary concern is airborne transmission through coughing, the respirator is key.
When a nurse treats a patient who has tuberculosis which can be passed by a cough, the ideal form of personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear is a respirator. A respirator helps protect the nurse from inhaling the bacteria that can cause tuberculosis. It is important for the nurse to wear a properly fitted respirator to ensure maximum protection.