Question 32

When a resident is coughing excessively and droplets may reach your clothing, you must wear gloves, mask, and gown.

Wearing gloves, a mask, and a gown is essential to protect yourself from potential droplet transmission when a resident is coughing excessively. This combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) helps to ensure that both healthcare providers and residents remain safe from infection.

A) gloves, goggles, and gown

While gloves and a gown are appropriate, goggles are not necessary in this scenario as the primary concern is droplet transmission rather than splashes. The absence of a mask makes this option inadequate for protecting against respiratory droplets.

B) goggles, gloves, and mask

This option includes a mask and gloves, which are essential; however, goggles are not needed for droplet protection in this situation. The lack of a gown does not provide adequate coverage for clothing, making this choice insufficient.

C) a gown, footwear, and gloves

This option has the gown and gloves, which are important, but it lacks a mask. Without a mask, there is no protection against respiratory droplets, rendering this option incomplete for the situation described.

D) gloves, mask, and gown

This is the correct choice as it incorporates all necessary components of PPE to protect against droplet transmission. Gloves prevent contact with contaminated surfaces, the mask protects against inhalation of droplets, and the gown covers clothing from potential exposure.

Conclusion

Option D is the only choice that fully meets the requirements for protection when a resident is coughing excessively. The other options either lack critical elements or include unnecessary items, failing to address the primary concern of droplet transmission effectively. Thus, D is the definitive answer for ensuring safety in this scenario.