In: Nursing
A CCMA is caring for a patient who has active tuberculosis.
Which PPEs must be used during the patient’s care and why?
Ans:-N95 (United States Standard NIOSH N95) or FFP2 (European Standard EN149:2001) respirators should be worn in active Tuberculosis . Such respirators are lightweight, disposable devices that cover the nose and mouth and filter 94–95% of particles that are ≥0.3–0.4
Personal protective measures aim at minimising the risk of bacillus transmission by providing barriers to inhaling or exhaling infectious droplet nuclei.
Respirators (or high-filtration masks or anti-inhalation masks) .Respirators that filter the air before it is inhaled should be used for respiratory protection.
A respirator is personal protective equipment that prevents inhalation of infectious droplet nuclei by the person who wears it.
Exposed staff
Staff must wear a respirator, regardless if they are the caregiver
or not. Respirators should be worn:
– When in contact with contagious patients (suspect or confirmed TB
case);
– When collecting sputum samples;
– When collecting and disposing of sputum containers;
– In areas where droplet nuclei could be present (i.e. a room that
has been occupied by a TB case, prior to the time required for air
cleaning).
Using respirators needs proper training, fit testing and continuous
supervision. This also applies to home-based DOT supervisors.