Ace the Galen Nursing Fundamentals 2026 – Ignite Your Nursing Passion!

Airborne precautions focus on preventing inhalation of tiny infectious particles, so the protection worn on the face must filter the air you breathe. The item that sits over the nose and mouth to filter inhaled air is the mask, typically a respirator such as an N95 or higher. Gown, gloves, and shoe covers protect other areas (skin, clothing, hands, and feet) but do not protect the respiratory tract. In practice, you would don a properly fitted respirator mask (often with eye protection as well) along with other PPE as indicated. The essential point is that the face needs a filtering device to prevent inhaling airborne pathogens, and that's the mask.