What type of personal protective equipment may be needed when caring for a client with respiratory illness?

When caring for a client with a respiratory illness, using a mask and gloves is essential for several reasons. A mask serves as a barrier to prevent the inhalation of airborne pathogens that can be expelled when a client coughs, sneezes, or breathes. This is particularly crucial as respiratory illnesses can spread through droplets.

Gloves are important for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of germs through direct contact. They protect both the caregiver and the client from potential infections, ensuring that any bodily fluids, such as saliva or respiratory secretions, do not come in contact with the caregiver’s skin.

While goggles, face shields, or aprons could be relevant in certain contexts or settings, a mask is specifically designed to protect against respiratory transmission, which is the primary concern in dealing with respiratory illnesses. Thus, the combination of a mask and gloves is the most appropriate personal protective equipment in this situation.