What additional precaution should be taken for droplet transmission?

Using a surgical mask is crucial for protecting against droplet transmission because droplets containing infectious agents can be expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. By wearing a surgical mask, healthcare providers and individuals can significantly reduce the risk of inhaling these droplets or having them come into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. This is particularly important in settings where individuals may be in close proximity to one another, as it creates a barrier that helps to contain respiratory droplets and minimizes the chances of spreading infections.

While other precautions like wearing gloves or maintaining a sterile field can be important in different contexts, they do not specifically address the nature of droplet transmission. Gloves are more relevant to contact transmission, and limiting patient contact may be impractical in many healthcare settings where care is necessary. Therefore, the surgical mask serves as the most direct and effective measure to combat droplet transmission, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.