Which of the following is an example of appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer: C. Removing gloves before performing hand hygiene

Rationale:

A) Wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patient care tasks:

Wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patient care tasks can lead to cross-contamination between different areas or patients. Gloves should be changed between tasks and patients to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sterile environment.

B) Touching clean surfaces with gloved hands:

Touching clean surfaces with gloved hands can contaminate those surfaces if the gloves have been exposed to pathogens. It is important to touch only necessary areas and equipment with gloved hands and to change gloves when moving between different tasks or environments.

C) Removing gloves before performing hand hygiene:

Proper glove use involves removing gloves before performing hand hygiene. This practice ensures that any contaminants on the gloves do not transfer to the hands or other surfaces. Hand hygiene should be performed immediately after glove removal to maintain hand cleanliness and prevent the spread of infection.

D) Using gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene:

Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after wearing gloves to ensure that hands are clean and to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. Gloves provide a barrier but do not eliminate the need for proper hand hygiene practices.

Answer: A

Rationale:

A) Gloves should be removed first, followed by the gown: When removing personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves are typically the most contaminated item and should be removed first to prevent contamination of other areas. After removing gloves, the gown can be safely removed, minimizing the risk of spreading contaminants.

B) The mask should be donned after wearing gloves: This is incorrect. The mask should be donned before gloves to avoid contaminating the mask with potentially contaminated gloves. Proper sequence is crucial to ensure that the mask remains clean and effective.

C) The gown should be removed before the gloves: This is incorrect. Removing the gown before the gloves could lead to contamination of the hands. Gloves are removed first to avoid touching the outside of the gown with potentially contaminated hands.

D) The mask should be removed before the goggles or face shield: This is incorrect. The mask should be the last item removed to prevent inhalation of any contaminants. Goggles or face shields are removed before the mask to maintain protection until the final step.