What is the purpose of an isolation room?

• A. Isolate electrical circuits
• B. Isolate equipment from others
• C. Prevent the spread of airborne infections through negative pressure
• D. Isolate pharmaceutical storage

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to stop airborne infections from spreading by using negative pressure. An isolation room is kept at a lower pressure than surrounding areas so that air flows into the room rather than out to the rest of the facility. This containment means contaminated air stays inside and is then exhausted or filtered, reducing the chance of pathogens reaching hallways, other rooms, or people. Doors are typically kept closed to maintain the pressure difference, and the room is designed with adequate air changes and filtration to continually remove contaminants.

This purpose is distinct from simply isolating electrical circuits, which addresses electrical safety, or isolating equipment or pharmaceutical storage, which deal with protecting equipment or product integrity rather than containing infectious airborne particles.