NCLEX Isolation Precautions: Airborne, Droplet, Contact
Nurseclex Editorial Team · Updated · 6 min read · Written around the NCSBN test plan
Short answer
Memorize the three categories with their signature diseases and PPE: airborne (TB, measles, varicella — N95, negative pressure), droplet (influenza, pertussis, meningitis — surgical mask), contact (C. diff, MRSA, scabies — gown and gloves, soap and water for C. diff).
Key takeaways
- Airborne: N95 and negative-pressure room — TB, measles, varicella.
- Droplet: surgical mask — flu, pertussis, some meningitis.
- Contact: gown and gloves — C. diff needs soap and water, not sanitizer.
- Private room questions almost always come down to the precaution category.
Airborne precautions
Tiny particles that float: tuberculosis, measles, varicella (chickenpox). N95 respirator, negative-pressure room, door closed.
Classic trap: a client with suspected TB needs the airborne room now — do not wait for confirmation.
Droplet precautions
Larger particles that travel about 3–6 feet: influenza, pertussis, rubella, some meningitis and mumps. Surgical mask on entry; mask the client during transport.
Contact precautions
Touch transmission: C. difficile, MRSA, VRE, scabies, draining wounds. Gown and gloves on entry.
C. diff is the famous exception: alcohol hand rub does not kill spores — wash with soap and water.
- Airborne: N95 + negative pressure
- Droplet: surgical mask
- Contact: gown + gloves
- C. diff: soap and water only
Practice questions
1. A client is admitted with suspected active tuberculosis. Which room assignment is appropriate?
Answer and rationale
Correct: B. Suspected TB requires airborne precautions: a private negative-pressure room with an N95 respirator for anyone entering.
Frequently asked questions
Does C. diff need an N95?
No. C. difficile is contact precautions: gown and gloves, and handwashing with soap and water because sanitizers do not kill the spores.
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