When testing an outpatient with active tuberculosis, what is essential for the patient to wear?

In the context of an outpatient with active tuberculosis, it is essential for the patient to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the disease. Tuberculosis is an airborne infection that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The mask serves as a crucial barrier to contain these droplets and minimize the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other individuals in the vicinity.

While surgical gowns, protective eyewear, and gloves may be important in certain medical procedures or with other types of infections, they do not specifically address the airborne transmission of tuberculosis. The focus with TB cases prioritizes the use of masks to limit the potential for spreading the infection, making it the most critical protective measure in this situation.