Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) must a CNA wear when dealing with infectious materials?

When dealing with infectious materials, a CNA must wear gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection to ensure comprehensive protection against exposure to potentially harmful pathogens. This specific combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to safeguard various parts of the body from contamination.

Gloves are essential as they provide a barrier to protect the hands from direct contact with infectious materials. Masks help prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens, while gowns protect the clothing and skin from spills and splashes. Eye protection is crucial for shielding the mucous membranes of the eyes from exposure to infectious droplets or splashes.

Together, these elements of PPE create a multi-layered defense mechanism, which is vital when handling possibly infectious substances, thus reducing the risk of transmission of diseases within healthcare settings.