Which PPE is recommended when caring for a patient with suspected meningitis to prevent droplet transmission?

• A. gown, eye protection and gloves
• B. eye protection, mask, and gloves
• C. eye protection and gloves
• D. gloves and a gown

Answer: (B)

When caring for someone with suspected meningitis, the goal is to prevent droplets that can travel short distances from the patient’s mouth or nose from reaching your mucous membranes. The protective setup for droplet precautions includes a mask to block inhaled droplets, eye protection to guard the eyes from splashes, and gloves to prevent contact with any secretions. A gown is only needed if you expect to come into contact with secretions or contaminate your clothing.

This combination—eye protection, mask, and gloves—provides the necessary protection against droplet transmission. Without the mask, droplets can be inhaled; without eye protection, droplets can reach the eyes; without gloves, you risk contaminating yourself via contact with secretions. Gowning is not routinely required unless there’s a high likelihood of splash or contact.