The nurse removes personal protective equipment (PPE) after completing a wound dressing change for a client in airborne transmission-based precautions. Which PPE should the nurse remove first?

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11ecbb05_cb4f_fbfd_b433_371692df1182_MD0009_00 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when a client is on contamination precautions (eg, droplet, airborne, contact). A gown is not normally required in an airborne precaution room; however, if contamination is probable (eg, dressing change, contact with bodily fluids), a gown is necessary. The proper removal of PPE limits self-contamination. The exact procedure for donning and removing PPE varies with the level of precautions and location of nursing practice. Gloves should be removed first and promptly after use to prevent contamination of other items or noncontaminated materials (Option B). To remove gloves: Grasp the first glove by its palmar surface and pull off inside out. Next, slide fingers of the ungloved hand under the second glove at the wrist and peel off over the first glove. Discard gloves in an infectious waste container. (Options A, C, and D) Face shield/goggles, gown, and mask/respirator can be removed after gloves, which are considered the most contaminated piece of PPE. Educational objective: The proper removal of personal protective equipment limits self-contamination. Gloves should be removed first and promptly after use to prevent contamination of other items or noncontaminated materials.

The Nurse Removes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) After Completing a Wound