Question

Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

At the beginning of a shift, the practical nurse (PN) gathers equipment to obtain vital signs for an infant diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Facility protocol dictates the use of contact and droplet precautions. What is the proper sequence for donning the required personal protective equipment (PPE)?

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

Answer

The correct sequence for donning PPE is to put on the gown, apply the surgical mask, put on eye protection, and finally don the gloves.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment is to first put on the gown, followed by the mask or respirator, then eye protection (such as goggles or a face shield), and finally the gloves. The gloves should extend to cover the wrist of the isolation gown. This specific order ensures that the nurse's hands remain as clean as possible before touching the client or the client's environment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the required precautions for the client.
Determine that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) requires both contact and droplet precautions, meaning a gown, gloves, a surgical mask, and eye protection are necessary.
Correctly identifying the required PPE is the first step in adhering to infection control protocols.
2
Determine the correct order for donning the identified PPE.
Recall the CDC guidelines for donning PPE: gown first, followed by the mask, then eye protection, and gloves last.
Following the standardized sequence prevents self-contamination and ensures the PPE provides an effective barrier.
3
Evaluate the given options to find the exact sequence.
Select the option that accurately lists gown, mask, eye protection, and then gloves.
This ensures the gloves can be pulled over the cuffs of the gown as the final step.

Key Concept

Standard sequence for donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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