Which combination of PPE items is considered standard for protection during patient care?

• A. Gloves, Gown
• B. Mask, Gloves
• C. Gown, Gloves, Mask
• D. Gloves, Gown, Mask, Eyewear

Answer: (D)

Standard precautions require protecting skin, mucous membranes, and clothing during patient care. The most protective combination is gloves, gown, mask, and eyewear. Gloves prevent contact with blood and body fluids, a gown shields clothing and skin from splashes, a mask reduces exposure to respiratory droplets, and eyewear protects the eyes from splashes or sprays. Using all four items provides the broadest protection for routine patient interactions, especially when splashes or droplets are possible. Wearing only gloves and a gown leaves the eyes and the respiratory tract exposed; wearing mask with gloves omits eye protection; wearing gown, gloves, and mask omits eye protection as well. The full set thus represents standard protection during patient care.