What it means
Part of personal protective equipmentPER-suh-nul pruh-TEK-tiv ih-KWIP-mentGear worn to protect a health worker from germs and body fluids, such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators and eye protection.Full entry . Under standard precautions it is worn whenever a splash or spray of blood or body fluids is possible, such as during suctioning, irrigating a wound or emptying drains, and during aerosol-generating procedures. Ordinary eyeglasses do not give enough protection.
For the nurse
Put it on after the mask or respirator and take it off after the gloves, handling it only by the headband or earpieces, since the front is contaminated. Clean reusable goggles as the facility directs.
Related terms
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
personal protective equipment
Gear worn to protect a health worker from germs and body fluids, such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators and eye protection.
surgical mask
A loose-fitting disposable mask that covers the nose and mouth and blocks droplets and splashes.