Which PPE items are typically used in hazardous drug programs?

• A. Gloves and sandals.
• B. Gloves and bracelets.
• C. Gloves, gown, eye/face protection, and mask.
• D. Headphones and belt.

Answer: (C)

Handling hazardous drugs requires a barrier approach to protect skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract during preparation and administration. The typical PPE combination includes gloves, a gown, eye/face protection, and a mask. Gloves block skin contact and prevent transfer of drugs to the hands; a disposable gown with long sleeves and a closed front protects skin and clothing from splashes; eye or face protection such as goggles or a face shield shields the mucous membranes from splashes; a mask helps reduce inhalation of drug powders or aerosols. This ensemble is about creating multiple barriers to minimize exposure at different entry points.

The other options don’t provide the necessary protection: sandals leave feet exposed; bracelets can trap contaminants and do not offer barrier protection; headphones and belts do not serve as protective barriers and can interfere with proper PPE use.