Question

Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

While floating to an isolation unit, a nurse gathers supplies to administer medications to a client diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster. Arrange the following steps for donning personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct chronological order.

  1. 1Perform hand hygiene using an alcohol-based rub or soap and water.
  2. 2Put on the isolation gown and tie it securely at the neck and waist.
  3. 3Apply an N95 respirator and perform a user seal check.
  4. 4Place goggles or a face shield over the eyes and face.
  5. 5Don clean gloves and extend them over the cuffs of the gown.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence for donning PPE is: hand hygiene, isolation gown, N95 respirator, goggles or face shield, and finally clean gloves.
Following the standardized Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sequence for donning personal protective equipment is essential to ensure a continuous barrier and prevent contamination. Hand hygiene must always occur first. The gown covers the largest surface area and goes on next. The N95 respirator follows to establish an airtight seal against the face. Eye protection is then applied to cover remaining facial exposure without disrupting the mask. Gloves are applied last to seal the wrists by overlapping the gown cuffs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Perform hand hygiene
Hands are decontaminated.
Prevents the transfer of existing microorganisms onto the clean PPE.
2
Apply the isolation gown
The nurse's torso and clothing are fully covered.
Establishes the primary body barrier first.
3
Apply the N95 respirator
The airway is protected from airborne particles.
Must be secured directly to the face for a proper fit test and seal.
4
Apply goggles or a face shield
The mucous membranes of the eyes are protected.
Fits safely over the top of the respirator without compromising its seal.
5
Apply clean gloves
Hands and wrists are fully protected.
Done last so the glove openings can be stretched over the gown cuffs, leaving no exposed skin.

Key Concept

Standard CDC Sequence for Donning Personal Protective Equipment
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