Before providing morning care to a client with confirmed disseminated varicella-zoster virus, a nurse must don full personal protective equipment (PPE) for Airborne and Contact Precautions. Arrange the following actions for applying the required PPE in the correct chronological sequence.
- 1Perform hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- 2Don the isolation gown and tie all fasteners securely at the neck and waist.
- 3Place the N95 respirator over the nose and mouth and perform a user seal check.
- 4Don a face shield or goggles to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes.
- 5Don clean gloves, ensuring they extend tightly over the cuffs of the isolation gown.
Answer
The correct sequence for donning PPE is: perform hand hygiene, don the isolation gown, apply the N95 respirator, don eye protection, and finally, put on gloves.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the standard chronological order for donning full PPE is designed to minimize contamination of the equipment and ensure a proper fit. Hand hygiene must always be completed first. The gown is applied to protect the torso and clothing. Next, the respiratory protection (such as an N95 respirator) is secured and seal-checked. Eye protection is then added carefully without interfering with the mask's seal. Gloves are always applied last and extended over the gown cuffs to create a seamless barrier against contact pathogens.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Donning Sequence for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)