When risk for exposure to blood and body fluids exists, which PPE items should be worn?

• A. Gloves, surgical masks, fluid resistant gown, eye protection
• B. Gowns, N95 respirator, gloves
• C. Gloves only
• D. Goggles and face shield only

Answer: (B)

When there’s risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, you protect the skin, mucous membranes, and airways with appropriate PPE. Gloves are essential for any contact with fluids, a gown protects clothing and skin from splashes, eye protection guards the eyes from splashes, and a mask or respirator shields the nose and mouth. An N95 respirator provides higher filtration and is appropriate when there’s potential for aerosols or splash exposure that could be inhaled, which is why this option aligns with the goal of reducing exposure through multiple barriers. In practice, you would also wear eye protection such as goggles or a face shield to fully protect the eyes. So this choice balances skin and respiratory protection, though adding eye protection completes the protection set.