When treating a trauma patient with a history of hepatitis, what additional protective equipment should you wear along with gloves?

In the context of treating a trauma patient with a history of hepatitis, wearing goggles and a mask in addition to gloves is crucial for several reasons. Hepatitis can be spread through bodily fluids, and protective eyewear helps prevent exposure to splashes that could occur during patient care, particularly if there is any bleeding or other fluid present. The mask provides a barrier to respiratory droplets that may also contain infectious agents.

The combination of goggles and a mask offers a broader range of protection from potential exposure compared to just wearing gloves alone, ensuring that both the mucous membranes of the eyes and the respiratory tract are safeguarded. This approach aligns with infection control protocols aimed at minimizing the risk of transmission when dealing with pathogens present in blood or other bodily fluids.

Other protective equipment like a gown may also provide additional protection in highly infectious scenarios, but the specific combination of goggles and mask directly addresses the need for eye and respiratory protection in a case involving infectious hepatitis, making this choice particularly pertinent.