In an in-service about infectious agents, what mode of transmission should the nurse include for tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the airborne route. This mode of transmission occurs when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny infectious particles known as droplet nuclei into the air. These particles can remain suspended in the air for an extended period, and when another person inhales them, they may become infected with the bacteria that cause TB.

Understanding the airborne transmission of TB is crucial for implementing appropriate infection control measures, such as using respiratory protection (e.g., N95 masks or respirators) and ensuring adequate ventilation in healthcare and community settings. The airborne nature of TB sets it apart from other modes of transmission, emphasizing the need for specific precautions to prevent its spread in various environments, particularly crowded or enclosed spaces.

The other modes of transmission mentioned, such as vector-borne, contact transmission, and droplet transmission, do not accurately describe how TB spreads. Vector-borne transmission involves pathogens being transmitted by insects or animals, while contact transmission refers to the transfer of infectious agents through direct physical contact. Droplet transmission typically involves larger respiratory droplets that do not remain suspended in the air but settle quickly; it is more associated with conditions like influenza rather than TB.