Which type of infection control precaution involves the use of masks during patient interaction?

The type of infection control precaution that involves the use of masks during patient interaction is specifically related to droplet precautions. This method is utilized to prevent the spread of pathogens that are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Masks are a critical barrier in this situation, as they help protect healthcare workers and other patients from inhaling these potentially infectious droplets.

Droplet precautions are essential in situations involving diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, or other respiratory infections. Masks worn by both the patient and healthcare providers reduce the risk of transmitting infections in a clinical setting.

The other types of precautions serve different purposes. Contact precautions focus on preventing the spread of infections that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. Standard precautions are the basic level of infection prevention, applied to all patients, which includes hand hygiene, use of gloves, and safe handling of sharps but does not specifically include the use of masks. General hygiene practices encompass a broad range of daily hygiene measures, including handwashing and cleanliness, but do not specifically address the respiratory droplet pathway.