CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide is assisting a physician with a procedure that may cause blood or body fluid to splash toward the face. In addition to gloves, which PPE combination is most appropriate?
- ACap and gown only
- BMask and eye protection (or face shield)
- CGown and shoe covers only
- DNo additional PPE is needed if gloves are worn
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Mask and eye protection (or face shield)
When there is a risk of splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids toward the face, standard precautions require both a mask and eye protection (or a combined face shield) in addition to gloves and a gown if needed. This protects mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from exposure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; a cap protects hair, not the face, from splash hazards.
- C. Incorrect; shoe covers do not protect the face from splashes.
- D. Incorrect; gloves alone do not protect the face or eyes from splashing fluids.
Splash Risk PPE
When blood or body fluids may splash toward the face, mask and eye protection (or a face shield) must be worn in addition to gloves.
- Protects mucous membranes of eyes, nose, mouth
- Required for procedures with splash/spray risk
- Part of standard precautions PPE selection based on task
Memory trick: If it might splash, protect the face with a mask and glasses.