NCLEX - Sequence for Donning Personal Protective Equiptment (PPE)

Sequence for Donning Personal Protective Equiptment (PPE)

1. Gown first
2. Mask or Respirator
3. Goggles or Face shield
4. Gloves

* The gown should be donned first. The mask or respirator should be put on next and properly adjusted to fit; remember to fit check the respirator. The goggles or face shield should be donned next and the gloves are donned last. Keep in mind, the combination of PPE used, and therefore the sequence for donning, will be determined by the precautions that need to be taken.



Sequence for Removing PPE

1. Gloves
2. Face shield or goggles
3. Gown
4. Mask or respirator

* The sequence for removing PPE is intended to limit opportunities for selfcontamination. The gloves are considered the most contaminated pieces of PPE and are therefore removed first. The face shield or goggles are next because they are more cumbersome and would interfere with removal of other PPE. The gown is third in the sequence, followed by the mask or respirator.



* The location for removing PPE will depend on the amount and type of PPE worn and the category of isolation a patient is on, if applicable. If only gloves are worn as PPE, it is safe to remove and discard them in the patient room. When a gown or full PPE is worn, PPE should be removed at the doorway or in an anteroom. Respirators should always be removed outside the patient room, after the door is closed. Hand hygiene should be performed after all PPE is removed.


note: although the video is from australia. The sequencing of donning and removing is the same as what the CDC recommends. CDC principles and protocols is what will show in your NCLEX.
reference: CDC (Center of Disease Control)
site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ppe.html