1 of 25

Personal Protection

Unit 4 Lesson 4

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

2 of 25

COPYRIGHT

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI). All rights reserved. No copying without permission. Members of the Academic Network share full proprietary rights while membership is maintained.

NI Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

3 of 25

  • Describe the types of personal protective equipment
    • Proper use, application, and removal
  • Describe Respirators and PAPRs
    • Use, application, and removal
  • Outline client and family considerations during isolation precautions

Student Learning Outcomes

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

4 of 25

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Specialized clothing or equipment in health care
  • Acts as a barrier to prevent infection spread
  • Protects health care workers and clients
  • Types of PPE
    • Gloves
    • Isolation gowns
    • Eye protection
    • Masks
    • Respirators and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPRs)

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

5 of 25

Gloves

  • Protect hands from potentially infected body fluids
  • Prevent contamination of clients from health care workers' hands
  • Usage Guidelines
    • Disposable
    • Should not be reused
    • Worn for specific tasks/procedures
    • Perform hand hygiene before and after use

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

6 of 25

Gloves continued…

  • Application and Removal
    • Ensure a snug fit
      • Not too tight or too loose
    • Steps for proper removal to prevent contamination

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

7 of 25

How to Remove Gloves to Prevent Contamination

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

8 of 25

Critical Thinking Question

The nurse’s aide is assisting a client with oral care after helping them with incontinent care. How should they proceed with PPE to ensure proper infection control?

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

9 of 25

Isolation Gowns

  • Protect clothing from body fluids
  • Reduce microorganism transmission
  • Features
    • Long sleeves
    • Snug wrist fit
    • Covers front and back
    • Disposable or reusable options

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

10 of 25

Isolation Gowns continued…

  • Application and Removal
    • Worn immediately before
    • Removed immediately after care
    • Front is considered contaminated

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

11 of 25

Critical Thinking Question

A nurse’s aide is about to assist a client with a procedure that may involve splashing of body fluids. Which action should they take regarding the use of an isolation gown?

A. Wear the gown during the procedure only if they have a long-sleeved shirt underneath.

B. Put on the gown immediately before the procedure and remove it immediately after.

C. Wear the gown throughout their entire shift to ensure maximum protection.

D. Wear the gown if they suspect the client has a contagious illness.

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

12 of 25

Eye Protection

  • Protect eyes at the front and side from blood or body fluids
  • Types
    • Face shields
    • Visors
    • Goggles
    • Disposable or reusable
  • Usage
    • Worn during procedures with splashing/spraying risks
    • Should fit securely and allow clear vision

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

13 of 25

Eye Goggles With and Without a Face Shield

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

14 of 25

Critical Thinking Question

During a wound irrigation procedure, a client begins to cough, causing droplets to splash. What steps should the nurse’s aide take to protect themselves?

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

15 of 25

Masks

  • Protect mucous membranes of nose and mouth
  • Types
    • Medical masks with various filtration levels
    • Disposable
    • Change when damp/soiled
  • Proper Use
    • Fit snugly
    • Glasses worn over the mask to prevent fogging
    • Remove by ear loops to avoid contamination

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

16 of 25

Medical Mask With and Without an Eye Shield

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

17 of 25

Critical Thinking Question

While providing care to a client under droplet precautions, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse’s aide regarding mask use?

A. Wear the mask when the client shows symptoms of an illness.

B. Wear the mask throughout the care if within six feet of the client.

C. Remove the mask when it feels uncomfortable during the care.

D. Wear the mask during the initial assessment.

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

18 of 25

Respirators and Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)

  • Respirators
    • N95 or higher filtration for airborne precautions
    • Requires user-seal check to minimize leakage
  • PAPRs
    • Powered air-purifying respirators
    • Provides higher protection against aerosolized pathogens

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

19 of 25

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

20 of 25

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

21 of 25

PAPR

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

22 of 25

Critical Thinking Question

A client suspected of having an airborne illness needs to be transported to another facility. What should the nurse’s aide do to ensure proper infection control during the transport?

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

23 of 25

Client and Family Considerations

  • During Isolation Precautions
    • Select PPE based on exposure risk
    • Consider communication challenges due to PPE
    • Address feelings of loneliness and isolation in clients
  • Transporting Clients
    • Limit transport to essential activities
    • Use appropriate barriers and notify receiving staff

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

24 of 25

References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

25 of 25

Please go to

My Learning Experience

to provide feedback on your experience.

Thank you, and come back soon!

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.