Which personal protective equipment is required for droplet precautions with suspected meningitis?

Which personal protective equipment is required for droplet precautions with suspected meningitis?

• A. Surgical mask, eye protection, gown and gloves
• B. N95 respirator
• C. Full-face shield only
• D. Leather gloves

Answer: (C)

Droplet precautions rely on barriers to protect the mucous membranes from large respiratory droplets that travel only short distances. The essential gear includes a surgical mask to cover the nose and mouth, eye protection to guard the eyes from splashes, a gown to protect clothing and skin, and gloves for contact with secretions. A full-face shield alone isn’t sufficient because it doesn’t replace the need for a mask and it may not protect the nose and mouth if droplets bypass the shield. The N95 is for airborne precautions, not droplets, and leather gloves aren’t appropriate for sterile or standard infection control. So, the best protection is a surgical mask with eye protection, plus gown and gloves.

Droplet precautions rely on barriers to protect the mucous membranes from large respiratory droplets that travel only short distances. The essential gear includes a surgical mask to cover the nose and mouth, eye protection to guard the eyes from splashes, a gown to protect clothing and skin, and gloves for contact with secretions. A full-face shield alone isn’t sufficient because it doesn’t replace the need for a mask and it may not protect the nose and mouth if droplets bypass the shield. The N95 is for airborne precautions, not droplets, and leather gloves aren’t appropriate for sterile or standard infection control. So, the best protection is a surgical mask with eye protection, plus gown and gloves.