A nurse has just completed suctioning the tracheostomy of a client infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the sputum. The client is on contact and droplet precautions. The nurse is wearing a gown, gloves, a face shield, and a surgical mask. Place the following steps for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct chronological order.
- 1Remove and discard gloves
- 2Remove the face shield by handling the clean headband
- 3Untie the gown and pull it downward, rolling it inside out
- 4Remove the surgical mask by handling the ties or elastic bands
- 5Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based rub
Answer
The correct sequence for removing PPE is: 1) Remove gloves, 2) Remove face shield, 3) Remove gown, 4) Remove surgical mask, 5) Perform hand hygiene.
The standard sequence for removing PPE ensures that the most contaminated items are removed first while minimizing the risk of self-contamination. Gloves are the most contaminated and are removed first, followed by eyewear (face shield or goggles) handled by the clean straps. The gown is then removed by pulling it away from the neck and rolling it inside out. The mask is removed next by handling only the ties. Finally, hand hygiene is performed immediately to destroy any pathogens transferred during the removal process.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The chronological sequence for removing (doffing) personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of self-contamination.