When should gowns be worn?

When should gowns be worn?

• A. When entering any patient room.
• B. When contact with blood or bodily fluid is likely.
• C. Only during surgeries.
• D. Only when gloves are not available.

Answer: (B)

Gowns are worn to protect skin and clothing from exposure to blood and other body fluids. You wear a gown whenever contact with fluids or splashes is likely, such as during wound care, procedures that involve suctioning or dressing changes, helping a patient with toileting or bathing where fluids may be present, or any activity that could generate splashes or contamination of clothing. They aren’t required simply for entering a patient’s room, they aren’t limited to surgeries, and they aren’t used just because gloves aren’t available. Change and dispose of the gown if it becomes soiled or damp to prevent spread of contaminants.

Gowns are worn to protect skin and clothing from exposure to blood and other body fluids. You wear a gown whenever contact with fluids or splashes is likely, such as during wound care, procedures that involve suctioning or dressing changes, helping a patient with toileting or bathing where fluids may be present, or any activity that could generate splashes or contamination of clothing. They aren’t required simply for entering a patient’s room, they aren’t limited to surgeries, and they aren’t used just because gloves aren’t available. Change and dispose of the gown if it becomes soiled or damp to prevent spread of contaminants.