Question

Difficulty: EasyHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client placed on contact and droplet precautions. Arrange the steps for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct sequence from first to last.

  1. 1Perform hand hygiene.
  2. 2Put on the isolation gown.
  3. 3Put on the surgical mask.
  4. 4Put on the face shield.
  5. 5Put on clean gloves.

Answer

The correct sequence for donning PPE is to first perform hand hygiene, then put on the isolation gown, followed by the surgical mask, then the face shield, and finally put on clean gloves.
According to standard infection control guidelines from organizations like the CDC, the correct sequence for donning PPE ensures maximum protection and prevents self-contamination. The process begins with hand hygiene. Next, the gown is donned to cover the torso and clothing. Then, the mask is secured to protect the respiratory tract, followed by the face shield for eye protection. Finally, gloves are put on last, pulled securely over the cuffs of the gown to prevent any skin exposure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Perform hand hygiene.
Hands are clean and ready to handle protective equipment safely.
Reduces the risk of transferring pathogens to the clean PPE prior to wearing it.
2
Put on the isolation gown.
The nurse's torso, arms, and clothing are covered.
Provides a large foundational barrier against infectious materials in the client's environment.
3
Put on the surgical mask.
The nose and mouth are protected.
Prevents the inhalation of droplet-transmitted pathogens.
4
Put on the face shield.
The eyes and upper face are shielded.
Acts as a critical barrier against potential splashes, sprays, or large infectious droplets.
5
Put on clean gloves.
Hands and wrists are completely covered and sealed.
Putting gloves on last allows the nurse to stretch the gloves over the gown cuffs, maintaining a continuous barrier.

Key Concept

Sequence for donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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