This post will certainly not be as involved as PPE Part 1 – Masks and Respirators, but the remaining parts of adequate PPE to care for COVID-19 should be addressed. One of the PPE items we are probably most familiar with is the isolation gown. We generally think of these for protecting us in contact and droplet precautions, but they are also valuable and necessary when entering an airborne precautions room. The gown will minimize the chance of airborne particles settling into the fabric of your scrubs.
Isolation gowns seem to be made of one of two types of material although sometimes you’ll see a gown made of both materials. On the left is a polyethylene gown. On the right is a spun polypropylene gown. Both types of material do an adequate job of protecting you. The major difference here is the breathability of the gown. If you are in a room for an extended period with a polyethylene gown be prepared to sweat. The polypropylene gown provides for more air circulation and, in my opinion, is much more comfortable.
Next we have the cap and booties. Really not much to say here, but I did want to show them. Caps usually aren’t part PPE on the floor and are generally seem in perioperative environments. You won’t see booties very often on the floor either. Again, they are usually seen around the OR.
Eye and face protection are much more important in airborne isolation than most people realize. Both tuberculosis and COVID-19 can be contracted through the eyes. Therefore, if you are caring for COVID-19 patients and develop conjunctivitis (pink eye) get yourself tested! If it gets in your eyes it can get in your sinuses. If it gets in your sinuses it can get to your throat. And we know where it goes after that.
Eye and face protection comes in three general types – goggles, face shields, and safety glasses. The most commonly seen types are the face shields and the safety glasses. Both of these provide adequate protection against splashes and droplets. Unfortunately, they are not totally effective in an airborne precautions environment. They allow air circulation to the face which could result in contamination of the eyes by an airborne pathogen.
Goggles, on the other hand, can be more effective for airborne precautions. The goggles pictured in the upper left seal to the face and have very small vents along the upper edge. The goggles in the upper right will fit over eyeglasses. This type has four vents (the white circular appliances) – one on each side of the goggles and one over each eye. Although the goggles minimize circulation compared to the face shield and safety glasses, it would be nice if the vents contained some N95 or greater filter media.
As I promised, pretty short and sweet. I hope there was something here for you to take away. Everyone please stay safe out there!!
Please click the Comment button below and Share. Also please feel free to leave Comments and use the Follow button in the lower right of your screen to get email updates of future posts.
Nursing In The Trenches 