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NCLEX · General

A nurse is putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) for a client on contact and droplet precautions. What is the correct order for DONNING (putting on) PPE?

Correct answer

Gown, mask/respirator, goggles/face shield, then gloves

  1. A Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
  2. B Gown, mask/respirator, goggles/face shield, then gloves
  3. C Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
  4. D There is no correct order

Why this is the answer

The correct order for DONNING (putting on) PPE is: (1) GOWN; (2) MASK or respirator; (3) GOGGLES or face shield; (4) GLOVES (last, pulled over the gown cuffs). NCLEX safe care/infection control. Memory: 'gown, mask, goggles, gloves.' For DOFFING (removing) PPE, the order is essentially reversed and designed to avoid contamination: GLOVES first (most contaminated), then GOGGLES/face shield, then GOWN, then MASK/respirator LAST (remove the mask outside the room/after leaving) — and perform HAND HYGIENE after removing PPE (and between steps as needed). The doffing order prevents self-contamination from the dirtiest items. Knowing the correct donning and doffing sequence for PPE is a commonly tested NCLEX infection-control concept.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — PPE Donning/Doffing Order

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