Tricks/Tips for getting plastic/shrink wrap off packaging

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2012

"ppe for expanded precautions

• expanded precautions include:

– contact precautions

– droplet precautions

– airborne infection isolation

in some instances, healthcare personnel are required to wear ppe in addition to that recommended for standard precautions. the three expanded precaution categories (formerly called transmission-based precautions) where this applies are contact and droplet precautions and airborne infection isolation.

use of ppe for expanded precautions

• contact precautions – gown and gloves for contact with patient or environment of care (e.g., medical equipment, environmental surfaces)

• in some instances these are required for entering patient’s environment

• droplet precautions – surgical masks within 3 feet of patient

• airborne infection isolation – particulate respirator*

*negative pressure isolation room also required

contact precautions requires gloves and gown for contact with the patient and/or the environment of care; in some instances, use of this ppe is recommended for even entering the patient’s environment. droplet precautions requires the use of a surgical mask, and airborne infection isolation requires that only a respirator be worn.

source: cdc. guidance for the selection and use of personal protective equipment (ppe) in healthcare settings"

i stand corrected. ::[color=#ee82ee]blushing::

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2012

I use the smooth edge of a surface, like a counter or a bedside table. Using a bit of pressure, run the long edge of the packaging down the edge of a surface. It will usually tear clean off. I do this at home when I am unwrapping CDs or DVDs.

grownuprosie · Jul 23, 2012

I thought it was kinda rediculous that I could take food/drink out of the galley with my bare hands but had to gown/glove before stepping in the room to put it on the patient's tray.

I know what you mean. At one of my hospitals that I had a clinical rotation, a patient on contact precautions required PPE upon entering the room regardless of contact. It was so silly. If you wanted to ask them if they wanted a medication, you had to gown and glove just to go in and ask because saying it from the door was a HIPAA violation. We had to gown and glove just to drop off a cup of water into the room. It was such a waste of resources!