In what situations is it essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when there is a risk of exposure to infectious materials. This includes situations such as caring for patients with contagious diseases, handling bodily fluids, or during procedures that could expose healthcare personnel to infections. PPE serves as a barrier between healthcare workers and potential hazards, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and transmission of infections.

In contrast, while bathing residents, dealing with medications, or during emergency situations may involve some risk, they do not universally require PPE in the same consistent and necessary manner as situations where there is a clear risk of infectious exposure. Proper infection control protocols dictate that PPE must always be used in the presence of infectious materials to protect both the healthcare providers and the patients they care for.