What it means
It protects the wearer from splashes and large droplets and protects others from the wearer's own droplets. Because it does not seal to the face, it is not a respirator and does not reliably filter the tiny particles of airborne transmissionAIR-born trans-MISH-unThe spread of germs in tiny particles that stay floating in the air and can travel across a room or farther.Full entry ; an N95en-NINE-tee-fiveA close-fitting respirator mask that filters at least 95% of tiny particles from the air the wearer breathes.Full entry respirator does that. It is used for droplet precautions, during sterile procedures, and on a client with an infection who has to leave the room.
For the nurse
Change it when it becomes damp or soiled, and touch only the ties or ear loops when taking it off.
Related terms
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
N95
A close-fitting respirator mask that filters at least 95% of tiny particles from the air the wearer breathes.
airborne transmission
The spread of germs in tiny particles that stay floating in the air and can travel across a room or farther.