What should a patient on airborne precautions wear if they need to be transported?

When a patient on airborne precautions needs to be transported, it is essential for them to wear a mask, specifically a surgical mask or a specialized N95 respirator, to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Airborne precautions are implemented for diseases that can be transmitted through tiny particles that remain suspended in the air for long periods. Diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox fall into this category.

Wearing a mask serves two critical purposes: it protects others in the vicinity from potential inhalation of infectious droplets that the patient might emit, and it also provides some level of protection to the patient themselves, particularly if they are moving through an area with people who could be vulnerable or susceptible to airborne infections.

While gowns, gloves, and face shields serve specific protective roles in various healthcare scenarios, they do not adequately address the airborne transmission route. Gowns and gloves are primarily used to prevent contact transmission, while face shields are intended to protect the face from splashes or sprays. Therefore, in the context of airborne precautions during transportation, the mask is the most crucial item, making it the correct choice in this situation.