Which item is NOT typically considered PPE?

Which item is NOT typically considered PPE?

• A. Earplugs
• B. Gown
• C. Stethoscope
• D. Goggles

Answer: (C)

Personal protective equipment is worn to shield healthcare workers from hazards during patient care. Gowns protect skin and clothing from potential contamination; goggles guard the eyes from splashes or droplets; ear protection can be used to reduce noise exposure in certain settings. A stethoscope, by contrast, is a diagnostic instrument used to listen to a patient’s heart, lungs, and other sounds. It’s not worn to provide a protective barrier for the wearer, even though it should be cleaned between patients to prevent cross-contamination. So the stethoscope is not typically considered PPE.

Personal protective equipment is worn to shield healthcare workers from hazards during patient care. Gowns protect skin and clothing from potential contamination; goggles guard the eyes from splashes or droplets; ear protection can be used to reduce noise exposure in certain settings. A stethoscope, by contrast, is a diagnostic instrument used to listen to a patient’s heart, lungs, and other sounds. It’s not worn to provide a protective barrier for the wearer, even though it should be cleaned between patients to prevent cross-contamination. So the stethoscope is not typically considered PPE.