What personal protective equipment should be used during droplet precautions?

When implementing droplet precautions, the appropriate personal protective equipment includes both a mask and eye protection. This combination is essential because droplet transmission can occur when respiratory droplets are produced by a person during coughing, sneezing, or talking.

A surgical mask serves as a barrier to prevent these droplets from reaching the mucous membranes of the healthcare worker’s mouth and nose. Additionally, eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is crucial because droplets can potentially contact the eyes, posing a risk of infection.

Using only gloves would not provide adequate protection against droplet transmission, as gloves do not shield the respiratory pathways or eyes from exposure. Similarly, a face shield alone may not be sufficient without the protective barrier a mask provides, as it does not fit snugly to block droplets entering through the mouth and nose. Thus, the combination of a mask and eye protection is a critical standard when dealing with situations that entail droplet precautions.