What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) serves as a barrier to prevent clothing and skin contact with blood and body fluids?

The correct choice, protective clothing, plays a crucial role in ensuring personal safety by providing a physical barrier against blood and body fluids. This type of PPE is specifically designed to cover the skin and clothing, reducing the risk of contamination from potentially infectious materials. It typically includes items such as gowns, aprons, and full-body suits, which are made from materials that resist penetration by biological fluids.

While disposable gloves are vital for protecting hands from exposure, they do not cover the clothing or skin, which still leaves parts of the body vulnerable. Face shields and safety goggles serve to protect the face and eyes from splashes and airborne particles but do not address protection for the rest of the body. Therefore, protective clothing is the most comprehensive choice for preventing contact with blood and body fluids.