A nurse has finished providing care for a client requiring airborne and contact precautions. The nurse is wearing an N95 respirator, a face shield, an isolation gown, and gloves. Arrange the following steps for safely removing (doffing) the personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct chronological order according to standard infection control guidelines.
- 1Remove and discard the gloves, ensuring bare skin does not touch the contaminated outside surface.
- 2Remove the face shield by handling only the clean headband or ear pieces.
- 3Unfasten the gown ties, pull the gown away from the neck and shoulders, and roll it inside-out into a bundle.
- 4Remove the N95 respirator by grasping the bottom elastic followed by the top elastic, without touching the front.
- 5Perform comprehensive hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Answer
The correct sequence for doffing PPE is: Gloves, Face Shield, Gown, N95 Respirator, and finally Hand Hygiene.
The standard CDC sequence for removing PPE is specifically designed to prevent cross-contamination from the most soiled items to the healthcare worker's body. Gloves are removed first because they are typically the most contaminated, followed by the face shield to protect the mucous membranes. The gown is removed next, and the N95 respirator is removed last (typically outside the patient room) to ensure the airway remains continuously protected from airborne pathogens. Finally, hand hygiene is performed to eliminate any remaining pathogens.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard chronological sequence for doffing personal protective equipment to minimize cross-contamination.