Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

When handling bodily fluids, gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) because they provide a critical barrier between the healthcare worker's skin and any potential contaminants present in the fluids. Gloves help prevent direct contact with blood, saliva, urine, or other bodily substances that may contain pathogens. This protective measure is fundamental for minimizing the risk of transmission of infections from patient to healthcare worker, as well as ensuring the safety of the healthcare environment.

While other PPE options, such as face shields, isolation gowns, and surgical masks, also play important roles in protecting healthcare workers and preventing infection transmission, they serve different specific purposes. Face shields protect the facial area from splashes, whereas isolation gowns prevent contamination of clothing and skin when exposure to bodily fluids is anticipated. Surgical masks are meant to protect the mouth and nose from droplet transmission. However, gloves are the primary and essential barrier against direct contact with bodily fluids, making them crucial in infection prevention protocols.