NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What provides the best protection for a phlebotomist while drawing blood from a patient with active tuberculosis?

1. Standard surgical mask

2. N-95 respirator mask

3. Face shield

4. Full-body gown

The correct answer is: N-95 respirator mask

When drawing blood from a patient with active tuberculosis, the best protection for a phlebotomist is provided by an N-95 respirator mask. This type of mask is specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including those that are very small, such as the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, which can be spread through aerosolized droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The N-95 respirator forms a tight seal around the face, ensuring that air inhaled is filtered through the mask rather than around its edges. This is critical in a healthcare setting where airborne precautions are necessary to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be spread through the air. In contrast, a standard surgical mask primarily protects others from the wearer’s respiratory secretions and does not provide adequate protection against inhalation of airborne particles. A face shield offers limited protection, as it does not cover the respiratory system and mainly protects against splashes or sprays. While a full-body gown is important for preventing contamination of clothing and skin, it does not protect the respiratory system, which is crucial in the case of airborne diseases like tuberculosis. Thus, the N-95 respirator is the appropriate choice for optimal protection against the risk of inhaling