What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when taking a patient's medical history for active tuberculosis?

When taking a patient's medical history for active tuberculosis, wearing a mask is essential due to the airborne transmission nature of the tuberculosis bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Tuberculosis can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets.

By wearing a mask, healthcare professionals significantly reduce the risk of inhaling these tiny droplets, protecting themselves from potential exposure. This is especially important in settings where health care workers may be in close proximity to patients with active tuberculosis.

While gloves, gowns, and face shields have their roles in protecting against various types of infections and in specific situations, they are not the primary protective equipment required for preventing the spread of airborne pathogens like those associated with tuberculosis. Gloves are typically used for situations that may involve contact with bodily fluids, gowns are utilized in scenarios where there is a risk of contamination to clothing or skin, and face shields protect against splashes to the face, but none provide the specific airborne protection that a mask does in this context.