A nurse is leaving a contact precautions room after client care. Click the PPE item generally removed first during doffing.
Hot Spot
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Gloves is the best answer. Gloves are usually removed first because they are the most contaminated item. Other marked areas do not best match the cue in this item.
Quick answer Gloves is the best answer. Gloves are usually removed first because they are the most contaminated item. Other marked areas do not best match the cue in this item.
Why this is correct Gloves usually carry the greatest direct contamination after contact care, so removing them first limits transfer to the face, clothing, and remaining PPE. Hand hygiene remains essential if contamination occurs and after doffing.
Easy analogy or mental picture Picture contamination moving from the outside inward: remove the dirtiest hand covering without touching bare skin, then continue the facility-approved sequence.
Memory hook Gloves first limits spread from the most directly contaminated hand covering.
NCLEX decision rule When asked what comes off first after contact care, identify the most contaminated item and use the approved doffing sequence; perform hand hygiene whenever indicated.
Why the other choices are wrong Eye protection, gown, and mask or respirator require careful removal, but selecting them first ignores the heavily contaminated gloves specified in this item.
References
[1]
CDC: Safe removal of personal protective equipment
Clinical situationA nurse is leaving a contact precautions room after client care.
What the nurse should noticeGloves is the best answer. Gloves are usually removed first because they are the most contaminated item. Other marked areas do not best match the cue in this item.
Transfer to practiceWhen asked what comes off first after contact care, identify the most contaminated item and use the approved doffing sequence; perform hand hygiene whenever indicated.
Doffing — Removing PPE.
Contact precautions — Measures used to reduce spread by direct or indirect contact.