Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a disease spread by droplets?

1. Measles

2. Tuberculosis

3. Whooping cough

4. Mumps

The correct answer is: Measles

The choice identifying measles as the option that is not spread by droplets is based on the transmission method associated with each disease. Measles is an airborne disease, meaning it is primarily spread through tiny airborne particles that can linger in the air and be inhaled, rather than through larger respiratory droplets that are expelled during coughing or sneezing. In contrast, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and mumps are diseases known to be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Tuberculosis can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, while whooping cough is also transmitted through droplets. Mumps is transmitted through respiratory secretions and can be spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with infected saliva. Understanding the differences in transmission methods is crucial for infection control and prevention strategies in healthcare settings. Recognizing measles as an airborne disease highlights the importance of airborne precautions, rather than just droplet precautions, when dealing with patients who have this infection.