What nursing action is crucial in preventing the transmission of tuberculosis during an admission?

The critical action for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis during admission is for the client to wear a mask when moving from the admission area. This represents an immediate, practical measure to reduce the risk of spreading infectious droplets, as tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Although isolating the client in a private room is an essential part of managing tuberculosis in a healthcare setting, wearing a mask during initial contact, especially while moving, provides an immediate barrier to droplet transmission before the patient can be fully isolated. This action minimizes exposure to other patients and healthcare staff right from the start.

While administering antibiotics is a key treatment for tuberculosis, it does not provide immediate protection against transmission. The effectiveness of the medication takes time to reduce infectiousness. Encouraging deep breathing exercises, while beneficial for overall lung health, does not directly prevent the spread of the disease in the context of initial admission. Thus, wearing a mask is vital for ensuring safety during this high-risk encounter.