Regarding droplet precautions, what is an accurate statement?

Droplet precautions are specifically designed to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. An accurate statement regarding these precautions is that a surgical mask is sufficient facial protection. Surgical masks serve as a barrier that can block large respiratory droplets from reaching the wearer’s nose and mouth.

In circumstances where droplet precautions are necessary, it is important to ensure that the appropriate protective equipment, such as surgical masks, are utilized to reduce the risk of infection. These masks are designed to filter out these larger particles effectively, making them an appropriate choice in many droplet transmission scenarios.

Other options do not appropriately reflect the guidelines surrounding droplet precautions. For example, hand hygiene is crucial regardless of the type of precautions in place, and gloves are recommended to prevent contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, making them necessary rather than optional. An N95 respirator is generally reserved for airborne precautions rather than droplet precautions, which makes surgical masks the proper choice for this specific context.