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What personal protective equipment should be used for a patient exposure scenario involving 20 individuals with coughing and watery eyes?
Gloves
Respirator
Face shield
Gown
The correct answer is: Respirator
In a scenario involving multiple individuals with symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes, which may indicate a respiratory infection or exposure to a harmful substance, the use of a respirator is crucial. Respirators are designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful particles, gases, or vapors. In this case, the respiratory symptoms being exhibited by the group suggest a potential airborne transmission or environmental hazard. Using a respirator reduces the risk of inhaling infectious agents or irritants, making it the most appropriate choice for protecting healthcare providers in this situation. While gloves, face shields, and gowns offer protection for other types of exposures (such as bodily fluids or splashes), they do not provide the necessary respiratory protection that a respirator offers when faced with airborne pathogens.