Level 1 Isolation

[amynahmed]

Hy Everyone,

I was wondering what if your patient is in level 1 Isolation which means (contact only) but for instance at times you have to go in there just to change the IV bags or mute the alarm of the ventilator and not actually have to touch the patient and at the same time you run out of isolation gowns, so do you think it is feasible to go inside the Level 1 Isolation without wearing a gown and just a pair of gloves would work?

Thank You

Amyna Ahmed

[jmgrn65, RN]

yes :)

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

I don't know what the hospital policy answer would be, but I think most of us do it sometimes. :nuke:

[nghtfltguy, BSN, RN]

im not gonna lie...

yeah... i would go in there w/out all that isolation stuff just to change a bag...

it also depends what the pt is on isolation for....

if it is *reverse* isolation.. then i would follow standard protocol....

but if it is for something like c-diff and you are changing a bag of vanc..

pfft.... that is up to you.......and your hospital's policy....

just use your nursing judgement..

my best advice is this....

do what you are supposed to do....

[EmmaG, RN]

Hy Everyone,

I was wondering what if your patient is in level 1 Isolation which means (contact only) but for instance at times you have to go in there just to change the IV bags or mute the alarm of the ventilator and not actually have to touch the patient and at the same time you run out of isolation gowns, so do you think it is feasible to go inside the Level 1 Isolation without wearing a gown and just a pair of gloves would work?

Thank You

Amyna Ahmed

I brought this up to our infection control nurse and she adamantly said 'no'. She said these bugs have been cultured out on all surfaces in patient rooms, and you risk contact with them even if you're not aware of what it is you've touched (consider what has been contaminated by the patient or others who've gone in before you).

but if it is for something like c-diff and you are changing a bag of vanc..

Especially in the case of c-diff...

If you're running out of gowns, your hospital needs to get their act together and keep you supplied with adequate PPE.

[nici1978]

actually our infection doctor and infection control nurse both said it is ok if you are at least 2-3 feet away from the patient, but every hospital and its policies are different

nici

[travelcrazyRN]

Every hospital has different protocols for that exact situation. At most hospitals there is a sign on the door (or nearby) that says what type of isolation they are in and what PPE is required for what incidence. I would follow that to avoid any grief from the hospital. It is a hassel to put on a gown just to reset the IV pump or to peak in on the patient but if that is what they want, I would wear the gown and gloves. The last hospital I was at wanted you to wear everything for any reason. The hospital before that said just gloves if you are not going to come into contact with the patient.