What should nurses' aides wear if there's a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids?

When there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, it is essential for nurse aides to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety and reduce the risk of infection. The correct answer involves the comprehensive use of gowns, masks, goggles, and face shields, as these components work together to create a barrier against pathogens.

Gowns protect the skin and clothing from contamination, masks prevent the inhalation of infectious droplets, goggles shield the eyes from splatters, and face shields cover the face entirely, providing additional protection to the mucous membranes. This combination of protective gear is especially critical in situations where the potential for splashing or exposure to larger volumes of fluids exists, thereby providing a higher level of safety for healthcare workers.

The other options are less effective in providing adequate protection. Wearing gloves alone does not protect other areas of the body that may be exposed to fluids. Similarly, while respirators are important in some contexts, they do not address the need for full-body protection against blood and body fluid splashes. Regular uniforms offer no protection against fluids and should not be considered adequate in situations where exposure risk is present.