What it means
An infection whose germs travel in very small particles (droplet nuclei) that remain in the air for a long time and can be breathed in by people far from the source. tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry , measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry and chickenpox are the classic examples. Larger droplets that fall within about 2 meters (6 feet) cause droplet spread, which is handled differently.
For the nurse
Use airborne precautions: a private airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure and the door closed, a fit-tested N95 respirator or PAPRPAY-per, or pee-ay-pee-arPowered air-purifying respirator: a respirator with a battery fan that pushes filtered air into a hood or mask.Full entry for staff, and a surgical mask on the client when they leave the room.
At a glance
| Also written | airborne infections, airborne disease |
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Related terms
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
tuberculosis
An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.
PAPR
Powered air-purifying respirator: a respirator with a battery fan that pushes filtered air into a hood or mask.