A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following personal protective equipment should the nurse wear during routine care for this client?

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. Infection control requires strict airborne precautions to prevent transmission to healthcare workers and other patients. Proper use of personal protective equipment is essential during routine care to reduce exposure risk. Rationale: A. Shoe protectors are not required for tuberculosis isolation because the organism is not transmitted through contact with footwear or contaminated floors. TB spreads through airborne particles rather than environmental surface contamination. Therefore, shoe covers do not provide meaningful protection. B. An N95 respirator is required because it filters airborne particles and protects the nurse from inhaling droplet nuclei containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is specifically designed for airborne precautions and must be properly fitted to ensure effectiveness. This is the appropriate PPE for routine care of a client with active tuberculosis. C. A surgical mask is not sufficient protection against airborne pathogens like tuberculosis because it does not filter small aerosolized particles effectively. Surgical masks are intended for droplet precautions, not airborne isolation. A surgical mask does not provide adequate protection for healthcare workers in this situation. D. Sterile gloves are not required for routine care of a client with tuberculosis unless sterile procedures are being performed. While gloves are used for contact with body fluids, they do not protect against airborne transmission. The primary protective equipment needed is respiratory protection rather than sterile hand protection.