Describe the correct sequence for doffing PPE after caring for an airborne isolation patient.

Describe the correct sequence for doffing PPE after caring for an airborne isolation patient.

• A. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, remove eye protection, remove gown, remove mask or respirator, perform hand hygiene.
• B. Remove gloves, remove eye protection, remove gown, remove mask.
• C. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, remove eye protection, remove gown, remove mask, perform hand hygiene.
• D. Remove gown, remove mask, remove gloves, remove eye protection.

Answer: (C)

Doffing PPE in this order minimizes the risk of transferring contaminants to your face or clean skin. Start by removing gloves, since they are the most likely to be contaminated after patient care. Peel them off inside out and dispose of them without touching your skin. Immediately perform hand hygiene to clean any contamination that may have gotten onto your hands. With clean hands, remove eye protection by handling the strap and lifting it away from the face, avoiding contact with the front surfaces. Next, remove the gown by untying the closures and pulling it away from your body, turning the contaminated exterior inward as you go so your skin doesn’t touch contaminated surfaces. Then remove the mask or respirator by handling the ties or straps from behind, not touching the front of the mask. Finish with another hand hygiene to ensure any residual contaminants are removed. This sequence helps prevent self-contamination and protects you and others from airborne pathogens.

Doffing PPE in this order minimizes the risk of transferring contaminants to your face or clean skin. Start by removing gloves, since they are the most likely to be contaminated after patient care. Peel them off inside out and dispose of them without touching your skin. Immediately perform hand hygiene to clean any contamination that may have gotten onto your hands.

With clean hands, remove eye protection by handling the strap and lifting it away from the face, avoiding contact with the front surfaces. Next, remove the gown by untying the closures and pulling it away from your body, turning the contaminated exterior inward as you go so your skin doesn’t touch contaminated surfaces. Then remove the mask or respirator by handling the ties or straps from behind, not touching the front of the mask.

Finish with another hand hygiene to ensure any residual contaminants are removed. This sequence helps prevent self-contamination and protects you and others from airborne pathogens.