Which type of isolation is used for patients with airborne diseases?

The type of isolation used for patients with airborne diseases is appropriately identified as airborne precautions. This form of isolation is essential in preventing the transmission of infectious agents that are carried in aerosolized particles, allowing them to remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel distances greater than droplets. Airborne precautions require specific measures such as placing patients in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure, ensuring proper ventilation, and utilizing N95 respirators or higher-level respiratory protection for healthcare personnel.

This method of isolation is critical in protecting both caregivers and other patients from highly contagious airborne pathogens, such as tuberculosis, measles, and varicella. It highlights the importance of specialized room setups and protective gear, underscoring how distinct methods are necessary based on the transmission route of infections.

The other options relate to different types of precautions designed for various transmission routes: contact precautions focus on limiting the spread through direct physical contact, droplet precautions address larger respiratory droplets that typically travel short distances, and standard precautions serve as the foundational hygiene practices applicable to all patients. Each type of precaution is tailored to effectively mitigate risks associated with specific infectious agents.