Why should a healthcare team notify infection control when a patient is suspected of having an airborne infection?

• A. To inform family members.
• B. To ensure proper isolation and prompt management by infection control.
• C. To obtain medication.
• D. To document later.

Answer: (B)

When a patient is suspected of having an airborne infection, notifying infection control is essential to stop the spread. Airborne pathogens can travel through the air and infect others, so the first priority is to put the patient in proper isolation and protect healthcare workers. Infection control can quickly arrange airborne precautions, place the patient in an appropriate room (often a negative-pressure environment when available), and ensure staff wear the right PPE, like fit-tested respirators. This rapid action also allows infection control to start diagnostic testing, identify and manage anyone who may have been exposed, coordinate environmental cleaning, and implement any further steps needed to prevent transmission.

Other reasons you might think of—informing family members, obtaining medications, or documenting later—don’t address the immediate risk of spreading the infection to others. The key goal here is to prevent transmission by enabling timely isolation and focused management.