Which item of personal protective equipment protects the wearer's hands?

• A. Gowns
• B. Masks
• C. Gloves
• D. Goggles

Answer: (C)

Gloves provide a barrier for the hands, protecting the skin from exposure to blood, body fluids, and contaminants during resident care. They help prevent the spread of infection by stopping germs from moving between you and the resident and from touching contaminated surfaces. In most CNA tasks, disposable gloves are worn whenever there’s direct contact with a resident or with potentially dirty items, and they should be changed between residents and tasks, followed by proper hand hygiene after removal. Other PPE protects other areas—masks cover the mouth and nose, goggles shield the eyes, and gowns protect the body and clothing—so they don’t directly protect the hands.