Which practice helps prevent the resident's gown from becoming soiled during care?

• A. Remove the gown before care.
• B. Use proper draping, keep the resident covered, and perform care efficiently to minimize exposure.
• C. Wipe the gown with sanitizer between tasks.
• D. Let the resident move freely to access areas.

Answer: (B)

Using proper draping and keeping the resident covered while you perform care protects the gown and minimizes exposure to potential soiling. Draping means using a clean sheet or blanket to cover parts of the body not being treated, exposing only the area you’re working on. This helps prevent fluids, lotions, or other materials from staining the gown. Doing care efficiently also reduces the time the gown is exposed, further lowering the chance of soiling. Sanitizing the gown between tasks isn’t enough to keep it clean because fabric can become contaminated and needs to be changed; cleaning the gown on the spot isn’t a substitute for proper hygiene and wardrobe changes. Removing the gown entirely defeats protection, and letting the resident move freely increases exposure and risk of soiling. So the best practice combines draping and efficient care to keep clothing clean and protect dignity.