Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 36. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection prevention? 37. List the different types of PPE and their specific uses in healthcare settings. 38. What are the key considerations when selecting and using PPE? 39. How should gowns be worn and removed to prevent contamination? 40. What are the differences between surgical masks and respirators? 41. When should healthcare workers wear gloves, and what types of gloves are available? 42. What are the risks associated with latex gloves, and what alternatives are available? 43. How should eye and face protection be used in healthcare settings? 44. What are the recommended PPE for healthcare workers during disease outbreaks like COVID-19? 45. How should PPE be disposed of after use to prevent contamination?

36. The purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection prevention is to create a barrier between the healthcare worker and the infectious agent, reducing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.<br /><br />37. The different types of PPE and their specific uses in healthcare settings include:<br />- Gowns: Protects clothing and skin from contamination.<br />- Gloves: Protects hands from contamination.<br />- Masks: Protects mouth and nose from contamination.<br />- Respirators: Protects respiratory system from airborne infectious agents.<br />- Eye protection: Protects eyes from splashes and sprays of infectious agents.<br /><br />38. The key considerations when selecting and using PPE include:<br />- Appropriate fit: PPE should fit properly to ensure maximum protection.<br />- Proper training: Healthcare workers should be trained on the correct use and removal of PPE.<br />- Regular replacement: PPE should be replaced when it becomes contaminated or damaged.<br />- Hand hygiene: Hands should be washed before and after using PPE.<br /><br />39. Gowns should be worn by covering the torso from neck to knees, and sleeves should cover the forearms. Gowns should be removed by rolling them inside out, touching the contaminated surface last, and then washing them.<br /><br />40. Surgical masks cover the nose and mouth and are designed to protect the wearer from large droplets. Respirators, such as N95 masks, filter out airborne particles and provide a higher level of protection.<br /><br />41. Healthcare workers should wear gloves when there is a risk of coming into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or contaminated items. Different types of gloves include latex, nitrile, and vinyl.<br /><br />42. Latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Alternatives include nitrile and vinyl gloves.<br /><br />43. Eye and face protection should be used when there is a risk of splashes or sprays of infectious agents. They should be worn over glasses or goggles and removed by touching the bridge of the nose first.<br /><br />44. The recommended PPE for healthcare workers during disease outbreaks like COVID-19 include gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns.<br /><br />45. PPE should be disposed of in a designated container, and hands should be washed after removal. Contaminated PPE should not be taken home for washing.