In what order should you don a standard set of PPE before resident care?

• A. Gown, mask or respirator, eye protection (goggles/face shield), gloves.
• B. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
• C. Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection
• D. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is to don protective gear in a clean-to-contaminated sequence so you protect yourself and keep surfaces as clean as possible. Start with hand hygiene, then put on the gown to cover clothing and skin. The gown should go on first so your clothes are protected before any other equipment is handled. Next, secure the mask or respirator to protect your airways from droplets. After the mask, add eye protection (goggles or a face shield) to guard the eyes from splashes or droplets. Finally, put on the gloves last, with glove cuffs over the gown sleeves to seal the wrist and prevent exposed skin. This order minimizes the chance of contaminating clean surfaces and reduces the risk of self-contamination when moving between PPE pieces. Other sequences risk touching contaminated surfaces or transferring contaminants to the mucous membranes or skin.