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Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A practical nurse is preparing to care for a client who has a severe Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. The client also requires high-pressure wound irrigation of a large sacral pressure injury. Facility policy requires the use of an isolation gown, gloves, a surgical mask, and eye protection due to the high risk of fluid splashing. To comply with transmission-based precautions, which sequence must the nurse follow when donning the required personal protective equipment?

  1. Put on the isolation gown, apply the surgical mask, place the eye protection, and then don the gloves.Answer
  2. B
    Put on the isolation gown, don the gloves, apply the surgical mask, and then place the eye protection.
  3. C
    Don the gloves, put on the isolation gown, apply the surgical mask, and then place the eye protection.
  4. D
    Apply the surgical mask, place the eye protection, don the gloves, and then put on the isolation gown.

Answer

The correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment is to apply the isolation gown first, followed by the surgical mask, then the eye protection, and finally the gloves.
According to CDC guidelines, the correct order for donning personal protective equipment begins with the gown to cover the torso and arms. Next, the mask or respirator is applied to protect the respiratory tract, followed by goggles or a face shield for eye protection. The gloves are always donned last so they can be pulled over the cuffs of the isolation gown, creating a continuous barrier against pathogens.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the clinical scenario.
The nurse needs a gown and gloves for Contact Precautions (C. diff), plus a mask and eye protection for Standard Precautions due to splash risk (wound irrigation).
Understanding the required equipment is the prerequisite to applying it correctly.
2
Recall the standardized Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for donning PPE.
The established sequence is: Gown, Mask or Respirator, Goggles or Face Shield, Gloves.
This sequence is specifically designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination before entering the patient environment.
3
Evaluate each option against the standardized sequence to ensure gloves are donned last.
The option beginning with the gown, followed by the mask and eye protection, and ending with gloves is the only correct sequence.
Gloves must go on last so they can be extended over the wrists of the isolation gown to create a seamless protective barrier.

Key Concept

Correct PPE Donning Sequence
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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