In what situation would a dental nurse likely apply personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The situation in which a dental nurse would most likely apply personal protective equipment (PPE) is when handling sharp instruments or infectious materials. This is essential because these tasks pose a significant risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents. PPE, including gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, serves as a barrier to protect the dental professional from potential contamination and ensures safety during procedures that may involve exposure to bodily fluids.

In contrast, during patient education sessions, the level of risk is generally lower as there is often no direct contact with sharp instruments or infectious materials, making PPE less necessary. Similarly, taking phone calls does not involve any exposure to hazardous materials. While cleaning the waiting room is important for infection control, it typically does not require the same level of protective gear that is needed for direct patient care and handling potential biohazards. Thus, the correct situation highlighting the necessity for PPE is indeed during the handling of sharp instruments or infectious materials.