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How does room air pressure in a Protective Environment compare with the corridor?
ANegative to the corridor, as in an isolation room
BPositive to the corridor, so air flows outward
CEqual to the corridor, with sealed doorways
DVaried by a cycle timer through the day
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Positive to the corridor, so air flows outward
1. A Protective Environment keeps positive room air pressure relative to the corridor.
2. Positive pressure pushes room air outward, so unfiltered corridor air carrying fungal spores does not flow in.
3. That sits alongside HEPA filtration of incoming air, directed room air flow, well-sealed rooms and more than 12 air changes per hour.
4. An airborne infection isolation room does the opposite and holds monitored negative pressure, which is the classic mix-up.
5. Equal pressure gives no controlled direction of flow.
6. Nothing in the specification cycles the pressure through the day.
_Source: CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings (2007), Part III, section III.F. Protective Environment_
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