Final answer:
A nurse should wear gloves as a minimum PPE when obtaining a point of care blood glucose, with other protective gear as necessary based on the risk of contamination and institutional guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is preparing to obtain a point of care blood glucose on a client, they should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the potential for coming into contact with blood, the nurse should at least wear gloves to protect against blood-borne pathogens. The use of additional PPE may be warranted depending on institutional policies and the situation's specifics — for instance, if there is a risk of blood splashing, then a gown, a mask, and eye protection should be considered.
It is important for the nurse to also follow proper hand hygiene protocols before putting on PPE and after removing it. The medical community recognizes PPE as a critical component for preventing transmission of infectious agents and ensuring the safety of both healthcare providers and patients.