Ace the Certified Medical Assistant Exam 2026 – Your Path to Medical Mastery!

In the scenario of obtaining the history from a patient suspected to have active tuberculosis (TB), wearing a mask is essential for protection. Tuberculosis is primarily an airborne infection, meaning that the bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when the infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even talks. By wearing a mask, the medical assistant minimizes the risk of inhaling these infectious droplets, thus protecting themselves from potential exposure to the bacteria.

While other articles of protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and an apron might be important in different contexts or situations, they do not provide the specific protection needed against airborne pathogens like those responsible for tuberculosis. Gloves are primarily used to prevent contact with bodily fluids, goggles protect the eyes from splashes, and an apron may be useful in preventing contamination of clothing but does not prevent inhalation of infectious agents. Therefore, in the context of TB, wearing a mask is the most effective method of protection for the healthcare worker.