Saunders Respiratory Practice

In patients with tuberculosis, what is the primary reason for using ultraviolet light in the admitting room?

1. To enhance patient comfort

2. To promote healing of lung tissue

3. To disinfect the air and reduce infectious particles

4. To improve overall air quality

The correct answer is: To disinfect the air and reduce infectious particles

The primary reason for using ultraviolet (UV) light in the admitting room of patients with tuberculosis is to disinfect the air and reduce infectious particles. Tuberculosis is an airborne infection, and it spreads through droplet nuclei that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. UV light is effective at inactivating bacteria and viruses by damaging their DNA or RNA, which prevents them from replicating and causing infection. In healthcare settings, this method is particularly important in enclosed spaces where patients may be in close proximity to one another or to healthcare staff. By using UV light, the risk of transmission of tuberculosis can be significantly reduced, contributing to overall infection control protocols within the facility. Other options, such as enhancing patient comfort or promoting the healing of lung tissue, while important in a general care context, do not directly address the issue of preventing the spread of infectious particles in a setting where a contagious disease like tuberculosis is present. Improving overall air quality can be a byproduct of using UV light, but its primary function in this scenario is specifically aimed at disinfection.