What is considered personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings refers to a variety of protective gear designed to safeguard healthcare workers and patients from exposure to infectious agents, chemicals, and other hazards. The correct answer encompasses goggles, gowns, and gloves, as these items collectively serve to protect different parts of the body and provide barriers against contamination.

Goggles shield the eyes from splashes and infectious droplets, while gowns provide coverage for the skin and clothing against fluids or infectious materials. Gloves are essential for hand protection, ensuring that direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, and potentially infectious materials is minimized. Together, these items create a comprehensive approach to safety, crucial in a healthcare environment where exposure to pathogens is a significant risk.

In contrast, the other options mention limited or inadequate forms of PPE. While gloves are certainly part of PPE, stating "only gloves" neglects the necessity of additional protective measures. Dust masks, while useful in certain scenarios, do not cover the full range of protective needs in healthcare settings. Lab coats may provide some degree of protection but do not include the essential eye and hand protection required. Therefore, the combination of goggles, gowns, and gloves represents a more complete set of PPE necessary for healthcare environments.