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Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Suspected tuberculosis: which precautions come first?

Original RemoteNurse question · Last reviewed 2026-10-14

Question

A client is admitted with a three-week cough, night sweats and weight loss, and the provider suspects active pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum results are not back yet. Which action should the nurse take first?

  1. AWait for the sputum smear results to confirm tuberculosis before starting any isolation precautions.
  2. BPlace the client in an airborne infection isolation room and wear a fit-tested N95 respirator to enter.
  3. CPlace the client in a private room with the door open, and wear a surgical mask when giving care.
  4. DWear a gown and gloves, because tuberculosis spreads by contact with the client's skin.
Show the answer and rationale

Correct answer: B

  1. A. Incorrect. CDC lists suspected pulmonary or laryngeal tuberculosis, not only confirmed disease, under Airborne Precautions. The client can spread the infection while tests are pending.

  2. B. Correct. Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis calls for Airborne plus Standard Precautions. CDC's guidance places the client in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), and staff wear an N95 or higher respirator.

  3. C. Incorrect. An ordinary private room is not an airborne infection isolation room, and a surgical mask is not a respirator. Airborne Precautions call for both.

  4. D. Incorrect. Pulmonary tuberculosis spreads through the air, not by touch. A gown and gloves alone leave the nurse's airway unprotected.

Source: CDC: Type and Duration of Precautions Recommended for Selected Infections and Conditions (Appendix A)

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Practice only. These questions are written by RemoteNurse and are not taken from the NCLEX or any other question bank. RemoteNurse is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN, and practice here does not predict an exam result. Each rationale links the source it rests on.

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