A nurse is caring for a client who is on isolation precautions. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment should the nurse remove first?

Rationale:

A. Gown: The gown should be removed after the gloves because it may be contaminated but has less direct contact with infectious material. Removing it after gloves helps reduce the risk of spreading pathogens from the hands to the clothing or environment.

B. Mask: The mask is usually removed last to prevent inhalation of airborne or droplet contaminants during PPE removal. Premature removal may expose the nurse to infectious particles still present in the surrounding air.

C. Eyewear: Goggles or face shields should be removed after gloves to avoid contamination of the face during removal. Touching the eyewear with potentially contaminated gloves could transfer pathogens close to the eyes or face.

D. Gloves: Gloves are the most contaminated PPE item due to direct patient contact and should be removed first. This limits the risk of transferring pathogens from the gloves to other PPE or surfaces during the removal process.

Rationale:

A. Encourage client to swallow while advancing tube: Swallowing facilitates the passage of the nasogastric tube through the oropharynx and esophagus by closing the epiglottis and reducing the risk of the tube entering the trachea. This action helps guide the tube smoothly into the stomach.

B. Measure the length of the tube from client's nose to shoulder: Proper measurement involves extending the tube from the nose to the earlobe and then down to the xiphoid process, not just to the shoulder.

C. Place client in semi-Fowler's position in bed: The client should be placed in a high-Fowler’s position, not semi-Fowler’s, to promote comfort and reduce the risk of aspiration. This upright position also allows for easier passage of the tube through the upper GI tract.

D. Advance tube during client's inspiration: Advancing the tube during inspiration increases the risk of the tube entering the airway rather than the esophagus. The tube should be advanced when the client is swallowing, which helps direct it into the digestive rather than respiratory tract.