What type of mask is required for airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis?

An N-95 respiratory mask is required for airborne precautions like those used for tuberculosis because it is specifically designed to filter out very small particles, including bacteria and viruses that are transmitted through the air. The N-95 mask can filter at least 95% of airborne particles, providing a higher level of protection than standard surgical masks. This is essential for preventing the inhalation of infectious aerosols generated by patients with airborne diseases.

In contrast, a simple surgical mask, while beneficial in reducing the spread of larger respiratory droplets, does not offer the same level of filtration capabilities as the N-95 and is inadequate for airborne precautions. A face shield serves mainly to protect the face but does not provide respiratory protection and is not a substitute for a mask. A non-rebreather mask is typically used to administer oxygen and is not designed for infection control in airborne precautions. Hence, for conditions like tuberculosis that require strict airborne precautions, the N-95 respiratory mask is the appropriate choice.