A practical nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client who has seasonal influenza and a sacral wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Arrange the following steps for donning the required personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct sequence, from first to last.
- 1Perform hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- 2Put on the isolation gown and fasten the ties securely at the neck and back.
- 3Put on a surgical mask and secure the bands around the head or ears.
- 4Put on a face shield or goggles and adjust to fit securely.
- 5Put on clean gloves and extend them over the cuffs of the gown.
Answer
The correct sequence for donning full personal protective equipment is to first perform hand hygiene, then put on the isolation gown, followed by the surgical mask, then the face shield or goggles, and finally put on the gloves, extending them over the gown cuffs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the standard sequence for donning PPE begins with hand hygiene to prevent contaminating the clean equipment. The gown is applied next to cover the torso. The facial protection (mask followed by goggles/face shield) is then applied. Gloves are donned last because they must be pulled up and over the cuffs of the isolation gown to ensure a continuous, unbroken barrier against infectious agents.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment is essential to prevent self-contamination and ensure proper barrier placement.