Which statement best describes the difference between droplet and airborne precautions?

Which statement best describes the difference between droplet and airborne precautions?

• A. Droplet precautions apply to pathogens that stay suspended in air for long periods
• B. Airborne precautions are used for pathogens larger than 5 micrometers
• C. Droplet precautions are used for pathogens larger than 5 micrometers and do not stay suspended for long
• D. Standard precautions are sufficient for all respiratory pathogens

Answer: (C)

Understanding the difference between droplet and airborne precautions comes down to particle size and how long those particles stay in the air. Droplet precautions address pathogens carried by larger respiratory droplets (typically greater than about 5 micrometers) that do not remain suspended in the air for long and travel only short distances, usually requiring protection for close contact and the use of a surgical mask with eye protection. Airborne precautions, by contrast, target smaller particles that can stay suspended and travel through the air over longer distances, which is why they require a negative pressure room and an N95 respirator. The best statement reflects that larger droplets do not stay airborne for long and are involved with droplet precautions, while the other choices either misstate particle size or the behavior of droplets versus aerosols, or inappropriately suggest standard precautions suffice for all respiratory pathogens.

Understanding the difference between droplet and airborne precautions comes down to particle size and how long those particles stay in the air. Droplet precautions address pathogens carried by larger respiratory droplets (typically greater than about 5 micrometers) that do not remain suspended in the air for long and travel only short distances, usually requiring protection for close contact and the use of a surgical mask with eye protection. Airborne precautions, by contrast, target smaller particles that can stay suspended and travel through the air over longer distances, which is why they require a negative pressure room and an N95 respirator.

The best statement reflects that larger droplets do not stay airborne for long and are involved with droplet precautions, while the other choices either misstate particle size or the behavior of droplets versus aerosols, or inappropriately suggest standard precautions suffice for all respiratory pathogens.