What infection control measure should be implemented for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis?

For a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), removing portable fans from the room is a critical infection control measure. This is important because TB is an airborne disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes. By using a portable fan, there is a risk of disseminating these infectious particles further into the air, increasing the chances of exposure for healthcare workers and other patients.

Control measures in the environment must prioritize minimizing airflow that could circulate contaminated droplets. Instead of promoting the movement of air, it’s essential to maintain negative pressure in the room and ensure proper ventilation to help limit the potential spread of the infection.

Other measures, such as restricting visitors or placing patients further away from a nursing station, do not effectively address the airborne nature of TB. Wearing a dosimeter badge is not relevant in this context because dosimeters are typically used for radiation exposure monitoring, not for monitoring airborne pathogens.