What is the primary role of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The primary role of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents. This is crucial in a healthcare setting, where workers might frequently come into contact with patients who have contagious diseases or who may carry pathogens. PPE serves as a barrier against these infectious agents, reducing the risk of transmission to healthcare personnel, which is essential for maintaining the safety of both the workers and the patients they care for.

While creating a sterile environment is important in many situations, PPE alone does not guarantee sterility and is more focused on protecting individuals from potential exposure. Although enhancing patient comfort is valuable, it does not reflect the primary purpose of PPE. Reducing the need for hand hygiene is also not aligned with the role of PPE—hand hygiene remains a critical practice in infection control that complements the use of PPE but does not replace it. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the protective function of PPE in safeguarding healthcare workers.