Which item is considered personal protective equipment for compounding hazardous drugs?

Face masks are indeed considered personal protective equipment (PPE) when compounding hazardous drugs, as they serve a critical role in protecting the healthcare worker from inhaling harmful substances. When dealing with hazardous drugs, airborne particles can pose significant health risks, so wearing a face mask minimizes the inhalation of these potential contaminants.

In the context of compounding, where environments can be contaminated easily, face masks help safeguard not only the individuals compounding the drugs but also the sterility of the environment and the integrity of the drugs being prepared. This aligns with safety protocols that emphasize minimizing exposure to hazardous substances, thus prioritizing the health and safety of pharmacy personnel.

While aprons, hairnets, and glasses also provide important protective barriers, they do not specifically address protection against inhalation of airborne hazards. Each piece of PPE has a designated function, and in the scenario of hazardous drug compound preparation, face masks are essential to mitigate the inhalation risks associated with these drugs. Therefore, the emphasis on face masks as the appropriate answer in this context highlights the critical importance of respiratory protection when handling materials that can pose inhalation hazards.