Which tier of infection control includes airborne, droplet, and contact precautions?

The correct choice refers to Tier #2 precautions, which specifically include airborne, droplet, and contact precautions as part of infection control measures. Tier #2 precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors by providing additional recommendations based on the mode of transmission of specific pathogens.

Airborne precautions are applicable for pathogens that can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled, requiring the use of specialized respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators. Droplet precautions are necessary for infections that spread through respiratory droplets, necessitating the use of masks when within close proximity to the infected individual. Contact precautions are crucial for infections spread through direct or indirect contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces, emphasizing practices such as glove and gown use.

Understanding the distinction between Tier #1 and Tier #2 is essential. While Tier #1 precautions, such as universal and standard precautions, are foundational practices applied to all patients regardless of known infection status, Tier #2 precautions provide tailored guidelines based on specific infectious risks. This hierarchy ensures that healthcare environments effectively address various transmission modes, thereby promoting safety in healthcare settings.