Which PPE item is worn last when entering a room requiring standard precautions?

• A. Gown
• B. Mask
• C. Eye protection
• D. Gloves

Answer: (D)

Wearing PPE in the right order minimizes the chance of contaminating yourself or clean surfaces. When you enter a room that requires standard precautions, you don gown first to protect your clothing, then put on the mask to guard your airway, followed by eye protection to shield your mucous membranes, and finally gloves. Gloves are worn last because your hands are the most likely to touch contaminated objects, so you want to cover them only after the rest of your protection is in place. This order also helps keep the other PPE clean as you move through the donning process. Remember to perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves and after removing them.