What is the role of patient masks in droplet precautions?

Patient masks play a crucial role in droplet precautions, primarily to prevent the spread of infectious agents during patient transport. When a patient with a communicable disease is required to leave their room for diagnostic tests, procedures, or transfers, wearing a mask serves as a protective barrier. This is essential to minimize the risk of contaminating the surrounding environment or exposing other individuals to respiratory droplets that may contain pathogens.

The use of masks is not primarily for privacy or comfort; rather, it's a specific infection control measure aimed at ensuring safety for both the patient and others in the healthcare setting. Therefore, when a patient needs to move beyond the confines of isolation, ensuring that they are masked is a critical step in maintaining droplet precautions.