Which of the following is the most important practice to prevent exposure to health care workers?

• A. Knowing where to locate the MSDS sheet on the drug to be administered
• B. Placing a hazard sign on the patient room where chemo was administered
• C. Having a spill kit on the unit
• D. Wearing universal PPE whenever handling cytotoxic drugs

Answer: (D)

Wearing appropriate PPE whenever handling cytotoxic drugs is the best way to prevent exposure because it creates a direct barrier between the worker and the drug at the moment of contact, protecting skin, eyes, and the airway. This barrier is what stops the drug from being absorbed or inhaled during preparation, administration, and disposal, making it the most effective single preventive measure.

Having the MSDS readily available informs you about the hazards and safe handling, but it doesn’t prevent exposure by itself. Placing a hazard sign in the patient room raises awareness but doesn’t stop contact with the drug. A spill kit is crucial for responding to an accidental spill, yet it comes into action after exposure has occurred or a spill has happened. PPE, used consistently and correctly, directly reduces the chance of exposure during routine handling, which is why it is the most important practice.