American Lifeguard Practice Exam

To protect yourself from blood borne pathogen transmission while giving care, what should you use?

1. Cotton gloves.

2. Disposable gloves and an airway mask.

3. Only your hands, if possible.

4. Antimicrobial hand sanitizer.

The correct answer is: Disposable gloves and an airway mask.

Using disposable gloves and an airway mask is essential when providing care, especially in situations where exposure to blood or other bodily fluids might occur. Disposable gloves create a barrier between you and potentially infectious materials, significantly reducing the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Additionally, wearing an airway mask is crucial when performing rescue breathing or CPR, as it helps protect both the rescuer and the victim from the exchange of saliva and other respiratory fluids. This combination of protective equipment provides a more comprehensive approach to safety in emergency situations. Other options, such as cotton gloves, are not recommended due to their inability to prevent permeation by pathogens. Relying solely on your hands without any protective gear greatly increases the risk of exposure, and while hand sanitizer is effective for hand hygiene, it does not provide physical barriers, especially in situations where direct contact with blood or fluids occurs. Thus, using disposable gloves and an airway mask maximizes safety for both the caregiver and the patient in a medical emergency.