Which of the following is not a common use of an N-95 respiratory mask?

The N-95 respiratory mask is designed primarily to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including large respiratory droplets and smaller airborne pathogens like those associated with tuberculosis and other infectious agents. It is especially effective in healthcare settings where there is a risk of exposure to airborne diseases.

Protection against tuberculosis is a common use, as this disease is transmitted through the air and requires effective respiratory protection. Similarly, the mask is utilized in settings with high particulate matter, such as areas with dust or pollution, to safeguard the wearer from inhaling harmful particles.

However, the use of an N-95 mask during surgical procedures is not common practice. In surgical environments, standard surgical masks are often used because their primary purpose is to protect against the transmission of fluids and respiratory secretions, rather than providing a tight fit and high filtration efficiency needed in airborne disease prevention. While N-95 masks can be used in certain surgical scenarios, such as during high-risk procedures that generate aerosols, the general practice during routine surgeries is to use other types of masks, making this the correct identification for a less common use of the N-95 mask.