While caring for a patient who is coughing, what safety precaution should the nurse employ?

Wearing a mask when within a distance of 3 feet of a patient who is coughing is crucial in infection control. This practice helps reduce the risk of airborne and droplet transmission of pathogens that can be expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Masks are a barrier that can effectively block respiratory droplets, which are a common vector for respiratory infections.

This precaution is especially important in healthcare settings where patients may be carriers of infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, or COVID-19. By wearing a mask, the nurse protects themselves and helps prevent the spread of infection to other patients and staff in the facility.

While gloves are important for preventing contact with potentially infectious materials, they do not provide protection from airborne pathogens. Face shields can offer additional eye protection but are not a substitute for masks in controlling droplet spread. Avoiding contact with the patient is impractical in a care setting, where patient interaction is necessary for treatment and comfort. Thus, wearing a mask within close proximity to a coughing patient is the most effective precaution to take in this scenario.