What it means
Barriers between the worker and anything infectious. Which items to wear depends on the expected exposure and the type of precautionprih-KAW-shunA step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.Full entry : gloves for contact with body fluids, a gown for splashes or contact precautions, a surgical mask for droplet precautions, a fitted N95 respirator for airborne precautions, and goggles or a face shield for splashes to the face.
For the nurse
The CDC order for putting on is gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, then gloves. One CDC order for taking off is gloves, goggles or face shield, gown, then mask or respirator, with hand hygiene after. Take it off at the door, except a respirator, which is removed after leaving the room.
At a glance
| Spanish | equipo de protección personal (EPP) |
|---|---|
| Also written | PPE |
Related terms
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.