Removing an isolation gown safely

Question

A nursing assistant has finished caring for a resident on contact precautions and is about to take off her disposable isolation gown before leaving the room. Which statement about the gown is correct?

1. AThe front and sleeves are contaminated, so she touches only the inside of the gown as she removes it✓ Correct

   Correct. Handling only the inside keeps the contaminated outer surface away from her skin and uniform.

2. BOnly the ties are contaminated, because her gloves protected the front and sleeves✗ Incorrect

   Wearing gloves does not keep the gown clean: its front and sleeves count as contaminated. Only ties at the back or side are treated as clean, while any front ties are not.

3. CThe gown stays clean unless something visibly splashed onto it✗ Incorrect

   The front of the gown is considered contaminated whether or not soiling can be seen.

4. DThe inside and outside are equally contaminated, so she may grasp it anywhere✗ Incorrect

   The inside is the part that stays clean, which is why it is the only part touched during removal.

Answer

A. The front and sleeves are contaminated, so she touches only the inside of the gown as she removes it

Rationale

An isolation gown protects the aide's clothing, which means its outer surface has been in contact with whatever the resident or room carried. Removal is done so that only the inner surface ever touches the aide, and the gown is turned inside out and discarded. Touching the front or sleeves would carry the contamination to her hands and uniform.