Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 52
The nurse is assigned to a client who has a draining sacral wound infected by MRSA. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) will the nurse plan to use in preparing to change the linens of the client? Select all that apply.
A. Gloves
B. Goggles
C. Gown
D. N95 respirator
E. Surgical mask
F. Shoe covers
Correct Answer: A and C
Gloves and a gown should be applied when coming in contact with linens that may be contaminated by the client’s wound secretions. Contact precautions include the use of gowns, gloves, and possibly masks during clinical encounters with patients with MRSA infection. Infection control also may include keeping patients in isolated rooms or the same rooms of other patients who have an MRSA infection.
Option B: Goggles are the primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against liquid or chemical splash, irritating mists, vapors, and fumes. They form a protective seal around the eyes, and prevent objects or liquids from entering under or around the goggles. This is especially important when working with or around liquids that may splash, spray, or mist.
Option D: An N95 respirator protects against dust, fumes, mists, and other microorganisms. This can be used when working with live animals or infectious materials in BSL-2 level labs with known airborne transmissible disease (e.g. tuberculosis, also required for influenza (flu).
Option E: Surgical masks protect against large droplets and splashes. It does not require fit-testing. This can be used when working with live animals; working with infectious material in BSL-2+ level labs but only protects your sample from you, not the other way around.
Option F: A shoe cover is not necessary, because transmission by splashes, droplets, or airborne means will not occur when the bed is changed. The inclusion of protective shoe covers or footwear as a component of PPE for prevention of acquisition and dissemination of pathogenic microbial agents by healthcare staff derives from documentation of extensive floor contamination with bacterial pathogens.