What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when dealing with blood or bodily fluids?

The choice that indicates gloves, and may include masks and gowns, is correct because it encompasses the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required when handling blood or bodily fluids. In healthcare settings, standard precautions dictate that healthcare workers should always wear gloves when exposure to blood or bodily fluids is possible. Additionally, depending on the situation and the level of potential exposure, masks and gowns may be necessary to protect from larger splashes or sprays of fluids.

Using gloves prevents direct contact with potentially infectious materials, while masks and gowns serve as barriers that protect the skin and mucous membranes. This combination ensures a higher level of safety for both the healthcare worker and the patient, adhering to best practices for infection control.

In contrast, the other choices either understate the need for PPE or focus unnecessarily on specific types of equipment. Relying on just masks and gloves does not provide comprehensive protection, especially in circumstances where gowns may also be important. Claiming that no PPE is required is dangerous and goes against standard safety protocols. Limiting the protection to only goggles and face shields ignores the need for gloves and gowns that are crucial in many scenarios involving blood or bodily fluids.