What additional piece of protective equipment is considered a good practice when working with droplet precautions?

When working with droplet precautions, the use of eyewear is considered good practice in addition to wearing a mask. Droplet precautions are put in place to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Eyewear, such as goggles or face shields, serves as a barrier to protect the eyes from potentially infectious droplets.

This is particularly important because droplets can travel short distances and may contaminate surfaces or be propelled toward the healthcare worker's face, especially during procedures that may generate more droplets. By ensuring that the eyes are covered, healthcare professionals minimize the risk of transmission and protect themselves from potential pathogens.

While other options like gloves are essential for contact precautions and face shields provide similar protection to eyewear, the focus here is on specifically addressing the risk posed by droplets to the eyes. Gaiters do not serve a defined purpose in droplet precautions and are not standard protective equipment in healthcare settings. Understanding the rationale for using specialized protective equipment is crucial for ensuring safety in healthcare environments.