An acute care nurse is preparing to enter the airborne infection isolation room of a client with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) who also requires contact precautions due to excessive infectious secretions. Arrange the following steps for donning personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct sequence from first to last.
- 1Perform hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap and water.
- 2Put on the isolation gown and fasten the ties securely at the neck and back.
- 3Apply the N95 respirator over the nose and mouth, and perform a user seal check.
- 4Place the face shield or goggles securely over the eyes and upper face.
- 5Don clean gloves and extend them completely over the cuffs of the isolation gown.
Answer
The correct sequence is: Perform hand hygiene, put on the isolation gown, apply the N95 respirator, place the face shield, and finally don clean gloves over the gown cuffs.
According to established infection control guidelines, the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment is designed to prioritize hand hygiene, build barriers from largest to smallest, and protect the mucous membranes properly. Hand hygiene always occurs first. The gown is applied next because it is the bulkiest item, requiring bare hands to securely tie behind the back. The N95 respirator is placed third and seal-checked while the hands have full dexterity. Eye protection is then applied over the respirator. Finally, gloves are donned last so they can easily extend over the cuffs of the gown, creating a sealed, continuous barrier at the wrists.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper sequencing for donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to standard guidelines.