What precaution should a mother with active tuberculosis take regarding her newborn?

The emphasis on avoiding contact until the mother is non-infectious is rooted in the need to protect the newborn from exposure to active tuberculosis (TB). Active TB can be transmitted, particularly through airborne particles, which is why it is critical to minimize contact between the mother and the infant until she has received adequate treatment and is no longer considered contagious.

Typically, once a mother with active TB begins appropriate treatment, she can become non-infectious in a matter of weeks. Until that time, the newborn should be kept away from the mother to ensure safety and health due to the severe risks associated with TB transmission. This precaution is especially important for newborns, who have developing immune systems that make them particularly vulnerable to infections.

The other options, while related to infection control, do not address the specific risks associated with close contact with an infected individual. Contact precautions focus on preventing the spread of infections that can be transmitted through direct contact, which does not apply to TB in the same way. Administering medications to the infant should only be considered if the newborn shows signs of TB; it does not prevent the initial risk of exposure. Practicing droplet precautions is relevant for situations where respiratory secretions might expose others to pathogens, but in the context