What is the best personal protective equipment for a nurse aide when handling potentially infectious waste?

The best personal protective equipment for a nurse aide when handling potentially infectious waste is a face shield. This choice is correct because a face shield provides a significant barrier to protect the face, eyes, and mucous membranes from splashes and sprays that could occur while handling waste that may contain infectious materials. The risk of exposure to various pathogens is heightened during this task, so it’s crucial to ensure that the face and eyes are shielded from any potential contaminants effectively.

While gloves are essential for hand protection against direct contact with waste, they do not protect other vulnerable areas such as the eyes and face. A disposable gown ensures body protection from spills but does not provide adequate coverage for the face. A surgical mask primarily protects the wearer from inhaling hazardous pathogens but does not shield the face against splashes, which are a risk when dealing with potentially infectious waste. Therefore, a face shield is the most comprehensive choice for overall facial protection in this scenario.