CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyEasy
A nurse aide is preparing to clean a resident's bathroom after a resident with a highly contagious diarrheal illness has used it. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is most essential to prevent transmission?
- ABoot covers and hair net
- BGown and non-sterile gloves
- CSurgical mask and face shield
- DSterile gloves and N95 respirator
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Gown and non-sterile gloves
For cleaning a bathroom after a resident with a contagious diarrheal illness, contact precautions are necessary. This requires a gown to protect clothing from contamination and non-sterile gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious materials.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Boot covers and hair nets are generally used in sterile environments or situations with heavy contamination to the feet/hair, which is beyond the typical scope for routine bathroom cleaning in this scenario.
- C. A surgical mask and face shield are primarily for droplet or splash protection to the face and are not the primary PPE for contact with contaminated surfaces.
- D. Sterile gloves are not needed for environmental cleaning, and an N95 respirator is for airborne pathogens, not typically diarrheal illness.
Contact Precautions PPE
Personal protective equipment used to prevent the spread of infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or patient's environment.
- Gown and gloves are primary.
- Used for conditions like C. diff, MRSA, VRE.
- Donned before entering, doffed before leaving the room.
Memory trick: Gloves and Gown for Germs on the Ground!