Question

Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

An infection control nurse is evaluating staff compliance with isolation protocols on a medical-surgical unit. While observing a practical nurse put on a gown, surgical mask, face shield, and gloves, which action indicates the correct donning sequence?

  1. A
    Putting on clean gloves first to protect the hands while handling the other protective items
  2. B
    Tying the isolation gown securely at the waist after already pulling on the clean gloves
  3. Securing the surgical mask to the face before applying the clean glovesAnswer
  4. D
    Applying the surgical mask as the final step after adjusting the face shield and gloves

Answer

The correct action is securing the surgical mask to the face before applying the clean gloves.
According to standardized infection control guidelines, the correct order for donning personal protective equipment is gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, and finally gloves. Therefore, securing the surgical mask before pulling on the clean gloves correctly follows the established sequence and maintains optimal infection control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the required items for donning in the given scenario.
The nurse needs to put on a gown, surgical mask, face shield, and gloves.
Establishing the required supplies is the first step in properly adhering to isolation protocols.
2
Recall the standard CDC sequence for donning personal protective equipment.
The standardized sequence is: 1) Gown, 2) Mask or respirator, 3) Goggles or face shield, 4) Gloves.
Following this precise order from bottom to top and finishing with the hands prevents contamination and ensures the gown cuffs are properly secured under the gloves.
3
Evaluate the given actions against the standard sequence.
Only the action of putting on the mask before the gloves aligns with the proper sequence.
Because the mask is step 2 and gloves are step 4, the mask must always be applied before the gloves.

Key Concept

The standardized sequence for donning personal protective equipment is gown, mask or respirator, face shield or goggles, and finally gloves.
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