Which pieces of PPE are typically required for standard precautions?

• A. Gloves for contact with bodily fluids, gown if clothing or skin may become contaminated, and hand hygiene; masks/eye protection only if there is a risk of splashes or droplets.
• B. Gloves for contact with bodily fluids only, without gown or mask, and hand hygiene.
• C. Masks and eye protection at all times.
• D. Gloves and shoe covers only.

Answer: (A)

Standard precautions are the baseline protections used to prevent transmission of infections during routine care. The essential elements are hand hygiene and using protective equipment based on the likelihood of exposure to bodily fluids and mucous membranes.

Gloves are worn whenever you may contact bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, providing a barrier for your hands. A gown is needed when clothing or skin could become contaminated from fluids or other contaminants. Masks or eye protection are added when there is a risk of splashes or droplets reaching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Hand hygiene is performed before and after each patient contact and after removing PPE.

This combination is the best fit because it covers protection for the most common exposure scenarios while avoiding unnecessary gear. Wearing masks/eye protection at all times isn’t required for standard precautions, and relying on gloves alone or adding items like shoe covers without the other protections would not adequately reduce transmission risk.