What is the correct statement regarding infection control for clients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)?

The correct statement focuses on the appropriate measures for infection control when dealing with clients who have active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). In this context, it is important for healthcare workers to minimize the risk of airborne transmission. Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Wearing a surgical mask is essential when healthcare workers are within three feet of a TB-positive patient to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the infection. However, the use of specially fitted N95 respirators is generally recommended for healthcare providers in such situations, offering higher filtration efficiency than surgical masks.

The other options relate to different infection control measures appropriate for various infectious agents but do not apply specifically or effectively to the scenario of managing a patient with active pulmonary TB. For instance, while disposable utensils are helpful to prevent transmission in cases such as hepatitis B, they do not pertain to TB control measures. Similarly, the requirements for Neisseria meningitidis and bacterial pneumonia differ in nature and do not define the critical steps necessary for TB management. Understanding these guidelines is crucial in protecting both the patient and the healthcare provider.