Personal Protective Equipment

Critical Elements

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are single-use.
• Maintain clean technique throughout.
• Perform hand hygiene before and after procedure.
• Replace gloves that become torn.

Procedure

Prior to Treatment: (Critical Thinking)

• Determine level of PPE needed.
• Confirm if patient has latex allergy or sensitivity.
• Gather equipment: gloves, gowns, face mask, face shield, N-95 respirator, hair cover, shoe covers.

Patient Interaction: (Safety)

• Explain procedure.
• Confirm allergies.
• Wash hands.

Steps of the Procedure (Infection Control)

1. Apply gown by picking up by the shoulders, allowing it to fall open without touching any contaminated surfaces; slip arms into sleeves, fasten ties at the neck.
2. Apply face mask placing the metal strip over the bridge of nose, loops ties around ears or tie behind head.
3. Apply face shield by placing the shield over the eyes, adjusting metal strip over nose and tucking lower edge below chin, strapping behind head.
4. Apply safety glasses or goggles.
5. Apply hair cover.
6. Apply shoe covers.
7. Apply gloves.

After Procedure (Patient Centered Care, Safety)

• Straighten room making patient comfortable, replace call light.
• Remove PPE (gloves, goggles, gown, mask) without contaminating self or clothing.
• Dispose of PPE in red bag garbage.
• Wash hands before leaving room.

Resources

• Personal Protective Equipment