Which condition requires surgical masks for all individuals in close proximity?

Get ready for your NACE Foundations of Nursing Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Diphtheria requires surgical masks for all individuals in close proximity because it is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and can spread through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can be inhaled by others nearby, potentially leading to new infections. The use of surgical masks helps to reduce the risk of airborne transmission, thus protecting healthcare workers and other patients in close contact with the infected individual.

In contrast, conditions like contact dermatitis are not contagious and therefore do not require masks for those around an affected individual. Pneumonia, depending on its cause, may require certain precautions but is not universally managed with mask-wearing for all individuals in proximity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a non-contagious respiratory condition that affects an individual's ability to breathe but does not present a risk of transmission to others. Therefore, surgical masks are specifically indicated for managing the spread of diphtheria among close contacts.

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