TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

When a patient is on droplet precautions, the primary route of transmission is through respiratory droplets that can be generated when the patient talks, coughs, or sneezes. Therefore, when working within 3 feet of the patient, it is essential to protect yourself from these droplets.

A mask is crucial for covering the nose and mouth, which are the entry points for these droplets. Eye protection is also important as it provides a barrier against droplets that may come into contact with the eyes, particularly if the patient is exhibiting behaviors that increase the risk of droplet spread, such as sneezing or coughing.

While gloves and gowns are part of standard precautions and are used in certain situations depending on the patient's condition and anticipated exposure to infectious materials, they are not specifically required for droplet precautions unless there is a risk of contact with body fluids. Hence, the correct requirement for droplet precautions when working within close proximity to the patient is a mask and eye protection. This combination effectively mitigates the risk of droplet transmission while adhering to appropriate infection control practices.