Droplet Precautions

[I'mANurse!]

With everyone talking about how much infection control is on the NCLEX, I want to make sure I understand everything correctly.

For droplet precautions, masks & gloves are required, but are gowns always required!!??

[I'mANurse!]

Sombody....Anybody.... PLEASE help, I take the NCLEX in less than 2 days!!!

[jadu1106]

hi

I know that gloves and the N95 mask or surgical mask is required, and I would think the gown would be required also. It's PPE...with droplet, if it leaks or drops on your scrubs it wouldn't be good, because then you would be carrying those same germs/bacteria into another patien't room, so I would wear a gown definately, and I would think its required...hope this helps! :)

[glamgalRN]

I'm looking in my textbook from school and all it says for droplet precautions is that a mask is required when working within 3 feet of the patient. Of course if you're assisting the doc w/any procedures likely to generate a splash you would wear a gown, eye proctection, etc. So I assume if you're just going in the patient's room to give meds/do an assessment you just wear a mask? I really don't know though and I'm anxious to find out the correct answer. I'm taking my nclex on tuesday so I'm freaking out as well!

by the way, do you know the correct way to don and remove PPE?

GOOD LUCK!

[I'mANurse!]

Thanks so much for your input guys! glamgal, I was thinking exactly what you said. The gown is only required if you anticipate contact w/secretions. But as far as I know, the N95 mask is just for airborne. You only need a regular mask with droplet, right?

I DO know the order for donning PPE, I got it from the CDC website. There was a nice little pic and everything :)

Donning: Gown, Mask, Face Shield/googles, Gloves

Removing: GLoves, Face Shield/Goggles, Gown, Mask, Wash hands

Hope this helps glamgal and good luck on your test on Tues. We can do it!!