A patient with TB who is in respiratory isolation must go to the x-ray department. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Place a mask over the patient's nose and mouth: When a patient with active TB leaves the isolation room, they must wear a surgical mask to prevent airborne transmission. This protects others from inhaling Mycobacterium tuberculosis in shared spaces. B. Notify the x-ray department that the test must be cancelled: There is no need to cancel the diagnostic test. Proper precautions like masking the patient enable safe transport and continuation of necessary medical care. C. Place a gown and gloves on the patient: Gowns and gloves are used for contact precautions, not airborne. TB transmission is airborne, and a surgical mask is the appropriate protective measure for the patient not gowning or gloving. D. Call the x-ray department to make sure the waiting room is empty: While minimizing exposure is ideal, it is not sufficient or necessary if the patient wears a mask. Standard protocol centers on masking the patient and notifying departments of isolation status, not on room occupancy control.