CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is asked to clean a resident's bathroom after a resident with a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection used it. What is the most appropriate type of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the nurse aide to wear?
- ASurgical mask and gloves.
- BEye protection and surgical mask.
- CGloves and gown.
- DN95 respirator and face shield.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Gloves and gown.
Gastrointestinal infections are often transmitted via the fecal-oral route, requiring contact precautions to prevent spread. Gloves protect hands, and a gown protects clothing from contamination.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A surgical mask is for droplet precautions, not primary for GI contact.
- B. Eye protection and surgical mask are for droplet or splash risk to face, not primary for surface contact with GI pathogens.
- D. An N95 respirator and face shield are for airborne or splash-generating procedures, not routine cleaning of a GI infection bathroom.
Contact Precautions PPE
PPE for contact precautions typically includes gloves and a gown to prevent the spread of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact.
- Used for infections spread by skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Gown protects clothing from contamination.
- Gloves protect hands and prevent pathogen transfer.
Memory trick: Gowns & Gloves for Germs by Grab.