In which situation must goggles be worn when caring for an AIDS patient?

Wearing goggles when suctioning an AIDS patient is essential due to the risk of exposure to bodily fluids, which may contain infectious agents. Suctioning procedures can produce droplets or splashes, particularly if there is a significant amount of secretions, making this a high-risk activity for healthcare workers. Goggles provide necessary eye protection to prevent contamination and transmission of potential pathogens, particularly in situations where blood or other fluids may be present.

In contrast, activities like checking vital signs, feeding, or conducting routine examinations are generally lower-risk for exposure compared to suctioning, where the use of equipment that directly interfaces with the patient’s respiratory or bodily fluids significantly increases the likelihood of splashes or aerosols. Therefore, only suctioning necessitates the use of goggles to ensure the safety and health of the healthcare provider while caring for an AIDS patient.