What is the recommended minimum distance between you and a patient?

• A. 0 to 1 foot
• B. 2 to 3 feet
• C. 1 to 4 feet
• D. 6 to 8 feet

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a safe distance helps limit exposure to respiratory droplets that can carry infections. In clinical settings, respiratory droplets tend to travel only a short distance from the person who coughs, sneezes, or talks. Keeping yourself about arm’s length to a few feet away from the patient reduces the chance you’ll be hit by those droplets while you still need to be close enough to provide care.

That’s why the recommended minimum distance is about 1 to 4 feet. It sits at the range where you can communicate and perform routine care without standing too close, while still allowing you to interact effectively with the patient. If you must get closer than that, use appropriate protective equipment and barriers to maintain safety.