North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

The term "personal protective equipment" (PPE) is specifically defined as gear worn to protect individuals from potential health and safety risks, particularly in healthcare settings. This includes items like gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, which serve to minimize the chance of exposure to infectious materials and harmful substances during patient care or other health-related activities.

The importance of PPE cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in infection control and maintaining safety standards for both healthcare workers and patients. For example, gloves prevent direct contact with bodily fluids, masks limit the spread of respiratory droplets, and gowns protect clothing and skin from contamination.

Contextually, other options do not accurately represent the definition of PPE. Clothing for formal occasions does not relate to health and safety risks, equipment used for patient therapy refers to therapeutic tools rather than protective gear, and medical tools for diagnosis concern instruments used to examine patients rather than personal protection against hazards. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the vital role that PPE plays in safeguarding health and preventing the transmission of infections.