Upon concluding a dressing change for a pediatric client diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the nurse steps toward the doorway to exit the isolation room. The nurse is wearing a gown, gloves, a surgical mask, and a face shield. Arrange the following actions in the correct chronological sequence for safely removing this personal protective equipment (PPE) according to standard infection control protocols.
- 1Remove the gloves by grasping the outside of one glove at the wrist and peeling it off.
- 2Remove the face shield by handling only the back of the headband.
- 3Unfasten the gown ties and pull it away from the neck and shoulders, touching only the inside.
- 4Remove the surgical mask by handling only the ties or ear loops.
- 5Perform hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Answer
The correct sequence is: 1) Remove gloves, 2) Remove face shield, 3) Remove gown, 4) Remove mask, 5) Perform hand hygiene.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the standard sequence for removing personal protective equipment is designed to minimize the risk of self-contamination. The most contaminated items, the gloves, are removed first. Eye protection is removed next by handling only the clean headband. The gown is then unfastened and rolled inward. The mask is removed last (prior to hand hygiene) because it protects the airway during the doffing of the other items. Finally, hand hygiene is universally mandated as the concluding step to ensure safety.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions: PPE Doffing Sequence
Estimated Time:1m 0s