Which condition aids in keeping contagions from entering an isolation room?

Which condition aids in keeping contagions from entering an isolation room?

• A. Positive relative pressure
• B. Negative relative pressure
• C. Neutral pressure
• D. No pressure difference

Answer: (A)

Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure. When the isolation room is kept at positive relative pressure compared with surrounding areas, air flows out of the room into the hall rather than into the room. This outward push helps keep outside air and any potential contaminants from entering the room, protecting whatever is inside. Positive pressure rooms are used to shield vulnerable occupants or sensitive environments by creating a barrier against incoming pathogens. (In contrast, negative pressure rooms are designed to pull air into the room to keep contaminants inside and prevent them from spreading out.) Remember that maintaining the correct pressure also depends on the ventilation system and keeping doors appropriately managed.

Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure. When the isolation room is kept at positive relative pressure compared with surrounding areas, air flows out of the room into the hall rather than into the room. This outward push helps keep outside air and any potential contaminants from entering the room, protecting whatever is inside. Positive pressure rooms are used to shield vulnerable occupants or sensitive environments by creating a barrier against incoming pathogens. (In contrast, negative pressure rooms are designed to pull air into the room to keep contaminants inside and prevent them from spreading out.) Remember that maintaining the correct pressure also depends on the ventilation system and keeping doors appropriately managed.