Which of the following infection control methods involves wearing a special mask?

The appropriate infection control method that involves wearing a special mask is Airborne Precautions. This type of precaution is necessary for infections that are transmitted through airborne particles, which are small enough to remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

In these situations, a specialized mask, such as an N95 respirator, is crucial because it filters out these small particles, protecting healthcare workers and others from inhaling infectious agents. Airborne Precautions are commonly implemented in cases of diseases like tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox.

Other infection control methods, while also important, do not specifically require the use of such specialized masks. For example, Contact Precautions usually involve gloves and gowns to prevent the spread of infectious agents through direct contact, while Droplet Precautions require a surgical mask but are designed for larger respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing, which do not stay airborne for long distances. Standard Precautions, on the other hand, apply universally to all patients regardless of their infection status and include basic hygiene practices but do not specify wearing specialized masks for airborne transmission.