An LPN/LVN has finished assisting with a wound dressing change for an adult client hospitalized with disseminated herpes zoster. The required protective attire for this airborne and contact precaution environment includes a fitted particulate respirator, a fluid-resistant gown, and examination gloves. Place the following steps in the correct chronological sequence for the safe removal of these items and exiting the area.
- 1Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it off, followed by the second glove.
- 2Unfasten the neck and waist ties of the gown, pulling it down the arms and rolling it inside out.
- 3Perform thorough hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap.
- 4Step outside of the negative-pressure isolation room and ensure the door closes securely.
- 5Grasp the bottom elastic strap, then the top elastic strap, to remove and discard the particulate respirator.
Answer
The correct sequence for doffing personal protective equipment in an airborne and contact precaution room is to first remove the gloves, then remove the gown, perform hand hygiene, exit the isolation room, and finally remove the respirator.
In environments requiring airborne and contact precautions, personal protective equipment must be removed in an order that minimizes the risk of self-contamination and environmental exposure. The gloves are the most contaminated and are removed first. The gown is removed second. Hand hygiene must be performed to clean the hands before touching the door. The nurse then exits the negative-pressure room and closes the door. Finally, the respirator is removed outside the room to prevent inhalation of airborne particles.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions sequence for doffing PPE